Motlhalo urges Banyana Banyana to stay calm after Tanzania defeat

Banyana Banyana midfielder Linda Motlhalo says South Africa must not allow the pressure of a must-win Africa Cup of Nations match against Ivory Coast to affect them after their shock opening defeat by Tanzania.

South Africa were beaten 2-1 by the Tanzanian side, known as the Twiga Stars, in Casablanca on Monday. The result leaves the 2022 champions third in Group B without a point, with only the top two teams from each of the tournament’s four groups progressing to the knockout phase.

Their next assignment is against Group B leaders Ivory Coast, who began their campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso. That result means Banyana Banyana need to respond in their second group match if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.

The tournament is also being used as a qualifying competition for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, increasing the importance of every result.

Motlhalo, who plays for Glasgow City, told SAFA.net that South Africa could recover despite making an unwanted start.

“It’s not the start that we wanted but I think the biggest thing now it’s just to reflect on where we went wrong,” said the midfielder.

“And we take the positives out of that game, and we get them to the next game. Yes, there’s still more games to play and it’s very important games. And we’re not going to put ourselves under pressure. We know what we’re capable of and we’ll just do the work when we get to the field.

“As players, we understand that this is football, and sometimes things won’t go our way. But I think the biggest thing is to dig deep, and it’s a tournament. It’s a long tournament there’s a lot of games that are going to be played. So, for us is to dig deep and take one game at a time.”

The defeat by Tanzania was particularly significant for Motlhalo because she reached 100 appearances for Banyana Banyana during the match. The 28-year-old described the achievement as an honour, although she said the occasion was not marked with a celebration.

“I wouldn’t say I celebrated my 100thcap,” added Motlhalo.

“But I always say I’m always grateful to be representing the country, and I feel honoured to be part of the elite group. “

South Africa now face Ivory Coast knowing that another setback would make qualification from Group B considerably more difficult. Motlhalo, however, believes the team should focus on correcting the mistakes from the opening game, carrying forward the positives and approaching the competition one match at a time.