Banyana Banyana coach Thinasonke Mbuli insists DR Congo clash is a must win
Head coach of the Banyana Banyana of South Africa, Thinasonke Mbuli insists their second leg tie of the 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations qualifier against DR Congo is a must win.
The Banyana take on DR Congo at FNB Stadium for the return leg of the WAFCON qualifier having earned an away goal in last week’s 1-1 in Kinshasa.
Kgalebane Mohlakoana scored for Banyana while Kipoyi Monique equalised for the DRC team.
Ahead of the return clash on Tuesday, Mbuli has affirmed his outfit must win the crucial game on home turf to grab a spot at the WAFCON.
“If we are ambitious about going to 2027 Brazil World Cup, we must win this one then next year we can go to Morocco playing to qualify for the World Cup,” she said on iDiskiTimes website.
“So, it’s not just 90 minutes to go to WAFCON. It’s a very important match, because if you want to go to World Cup, we must win this one. Then we can start talking about the World Cup.
Mbuli is holding the fort while coach Desiree Ellis continues to negotiate her contract with Safa. This contractual dispute saw Ellis miss out on the team’s match in DRC.
Banyana should have key striker players Hilda Magaia, Sinoxolo Cesane, Amogelang Motau and Thembi Kgatlana back for this match as the four missed the first leg.
