South African football fans are expressing their dissatisfaction with the national women’s football team, Banyana Banyana, following their 2-2 draw against Argentina in Dunedin, New Zealand on Friday. The team initially appeared to be headed for a win when Linda Motlhalo and Thembi Kgatlana each scored goals, but Argentina managed to tie the game by scoring two goals in just six minutes.
Early Morning Disappointment
Many South African football enthusiasts woke up at 2 a.m. to watch the match and were left feeling frustrated after the disappointing results. They took to social media to express their dissatisfaction with Desiree Ellis, the team’s coach. Ellis faced criticism following their 2-1 defeat against Sweden last Sunday and was once again scrutinized after the draw against Argentina.
Goalkeeper Controversy
One of the main points of contention among fans was Ellis’s decision to start Kaylin Swart as goalkeeper over Andile Dlamini, who many believe is more experienced and skilled than Swart. Swart, who is 28 years old, was held accountable for Sweden’s first goal and displayed unsteady moments during the Argentina match.
A Familiar Situation
The outcome of this match has put Banyana Banyana in a precarious position as they now must rely on other teams to advance in the World Cup tournament. This situation is all too familiar for South African football fans, as the men’s national team, Bafana Bafana, has also found itself in similar situations in the past.
The Fans Speak Out
South African football fans took to social media to express their thoughts on the situation. Twitter user @ChwaneLikaMaK commented on the team’s reliance on other teams’ results, saying, “In Bafana Bafana, we always use [a] Calculator to survive; I guess even in Banyana Banyana, it’s the same formula. If Statement must be used now. If Sweden win against Italy and Banyana Banyana must win against Italy, then we are through.”
Xoli Zondo, a South African television personality, tweeted about the situation, stating, “Calculators are out! We HAVE to beat Italy on Wednesday. Otherwise, it’s back to load shedding for Banyana Banyana. In South Africa, we BELIEVE.”
Another Twitter user, @OriginalPannick, suggested that the team’s bonuses should be cut if they do not win against Italy, saying, “We must announce that if they don’t win against Italy, we are cutting their bonuses… u will see. Very disappointed.”
A Chance for Redemption
A win against Argentina would have secured Banyana Banyana’s position in the Round of last 16. However, poor defending has once again cost a South African team a chance at a World Cup victory. The African champions must now look to their final game against Italy on August 2 and hope that other teams’ results will be in their favor.
Overall, the South African football community is feeling frustrated and disappointed as they wait to see if Banyana Banyana can secure a win against Italy and advance to the next stage of the World Cup. With the team’s fate now hanging in the balance, fans are left to hope that other teams’ results will be favorable while also keeping their calculators at the ready.
