We have done our homework on the semi-final opponents: Maud Khumalo

South Africa cruised through Group A and finished top of the table with three wins in as many matches, beating Namibia (1-0), Eswatini (3-0) and Seychelles (8-1).

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Now they await the winner of Group D between Mozambique, Zimbabwe or Lesotho. Khumalo says they have been studying this group from the beginning of the tournament as they were aware where their opponents in the last four would come from.

''I have been checking them since we started the tournament, because I knew that the winner in Group A will face the winner in Group D, the teams that are playing there I have been watching them, we might play Mozambique, I saw how they play they remain in the back so that they don't concede - but that is something we are working on,'' said Khumalo.

Khumalo is well aware of the huge test they will face in the semi-finals.

She says the players are ready but will have to be strong mentally.

South Africa scored 12 goals in three games, conceding only one.

''These past two games were the preparation for the semi-finals because the first game for us was crucial Namibia  - we have seen how they play, they are very physical and  hard run, our girls need to get used to that. If you look at Banyana Banyana against Denmark - you saw the physicality of the opponents. We are teaching our players to let the ball  move and compete, but I think they are ready, they just need to be mentally strong and emotionally ready,'' added Khumalo. 

Banyana Banyana concluded their group stages with an emphatic 8-1 win against debutants Seychelles – the second highest scoreline so far in the tournament after Malawi defeated Mauritius 9-0.

South Africa had five different scorers.

''We know that Seychelles is building, it is a process for them. And we just needed to fix what we didn't do right in the previous matches, and I believe they did stick to the plan and I am happy that they scored so many goals and it gives them confidence,'' she expressed.

Khumalo also weighed in on the use of VAR starting in the final group stages going all the way to the final.

She likes the idea but feels they take forever to make decisions.

With the Eastern Cape, in particular Gqeberha, experiencing ever-changing weather patterns daily, Khumalo says they just have to continue adapting to whatever condition they find themselves in.

 Banyana Banyana’s opponents will come from Group D who conclude their games this afternoon (Tuesday, 29 October).

Mozambique are on three points, level with Zimbabwe while Lesotho is on zero. Mozambique need only a draw when they face Lesotho in the final game at 3pm, but a win for the latter will leave the group in a three-way tie and goal difference will be the decider.