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Former Banyana Banyana midfielder Pinky Matjekane says the defending champions need to play to their own strengths when they face Nigeria in the WAFCON semifinal on Tuesday night.
Banyana’s title defence hopes were kept alive after their hard fought 4-1 win in a penalty shootout against Senegal in the quarterfinal on Saturday.
Speaking to SABC Sport, Matjekane admits that it won’t be easy to disrupt the Super Falcons’ mission X, but believes coach Desiree Ellis’ charges have the right capacity to retain the championship.
"Nine times WAFCON Champions and they're obviously looking to win their 10th title here but I don't think Banyana Banyana will just sit back there and just let the Nigerians take this one. We are the defending champions and I think over the years we've shown how capable we are as a nation, as a team,” Matjekane said.
“We've been in encounters with Nigeria a few times and the last time we beat them, so it means that this is possible for us. We know that Nigeria, they are tall, physically they're very strong, they can win the aerial balls, we are very short but we just need to study, we've studied their weaknesses and their strengths.
“We know that they're very physical, they've tall, they can be intimidating especially in the midfield but also the front line. So, we just need to be composed, we just need to play the ball on the ground because that's what we're good at."
Matjekane reflects on Banyana’s victory against Senegal - highlighting goalkeeper Andile Dlamini as a key contributor to the win.
“While the players stepped up for the spot kicks showed great composure and confidence. I think we did pretty well, especially with penalty kicks, so I'm hoping that taking it forward and playing with Nigeria will be a great game."
