Gamede insists Banyana Banyana can still reach WAFCON quarter-finals

Bongiwe Gamede says Banyana Banyana’s hopes of reaching the WAFCON quarter-finals remain alive, although their qualification is now dependent on Ivory Coast’s result against Tanzania.

Banyana Banyana sit bottom of Group B after drawing 2-2 with Ivory Coast in Casablanca on Friday. The result came after their disappointing opening match, when they were beaten 2-1 by less-fancied Tanzania earlier in the tournament.

South Africa’s side must now defeat Burkina Faso in their final group-stage fixture in Casablanca on Tuesday to keep their qualification hopes alive. They also need Ivory Coast to beat Tanzania in the other Group B match, which will be played at the same time.

The top two teams in the group will progress to the quarter-finals, leaving Banyana Banyana with no margin for error against Burkina Faso. Even a victory will not be enough if Tanzania avoid defeat against Ivory Coast.

“We know what we want to achieve as a team. We believe that we still have a chance… the door is still open for us to go to the quarterfinals,” Gamede said.

The defender’s comments come after Banyana Banyana showed resilience to claim a point against the group leaders. However, their position at the bottom of the standings means their route into the knockout stage is no longer entirely within their control.

There may be a potential boost for Banyana Banyana before the decisive fixtures. Tanzania will be without influential midfielder Hasnath Ubamba for their meeting with Ivory Coast after she was suspended following her red card in Friday’s 2-1 defeat by Burkina Faso.

Ubamba had scored in Tanzania’s surprise victory over Banyana Banyana in the opening round of group matches. Her absence could weaken Tanzania as they attempt to secure the result that would keep their own campaign alive.

Tanzania could also be without their principal striker, Opah Clement, who is doubtful for the Ivory Coast match after suffering an injury against Burkina Faso. The possible absence of both Ubamba and Clement could leave Tanzania less effective and may improve Banyana Banyana’s chances of getting the result they need elsewhere.

Banyana Banyana’s immediate task, however, is to overcome Burkina Faso in Casablanca. Their defeat by Tanzania and draw with Ivory Coast have left them relying on a combination of their own performance and the outcome of the second Group B fixture.

The four teams that reach the semi-finals at this WAFCON will qualify for next year’s World Cup in Brazil, adding further significance to the final group matches. For Banyana Banyana, the route remains open, but Gamede and her team must first win their final game and then wait for Ivory Coast to do them a favour.