Despite Banyana scoring seven goals, Refiloe Jane said it was not an easy game against Equatorial Guinea. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix Despite Banyana scoring seven goals, Refiloe Jane said it was not an easy game against Equatorial Guinea. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
JOHANNESBURG – Banyana Banyana vice-captain Refiloe Jane is convinced that their dominance in Wednesday’s Africa Women’s Cup of Nations win against Equatorial Guinea served as a massive morale booster for the remainder of the tournament.
Following their remarkable opener against Nigeria, Banyana continued their pursuit for a top three finish in the tournament in Ghana as they put seven goals past the Guineans.
“When we look at the margin (7-1) that we won the game with, the win really gives us confidence going forward,” Jane said.
“It also sends a message to other teams that we are going to play.
“It’s a good thing for us that we are going into the third match with six points and only one goal against us. Hopefully we’ll finish things off in that game.”
By the 23rd minute of the game, coach Desiree Ellis’ troops were already 2-0 up after strikes from Linda Motlhalo and Nompumelelo Nyandeni.
But they became complacent, and as a result, were punished in referee’s additional time as Elena Oyana pulled one back.
“It wasn’t an easy win, looking at the way we started the game. I think (in the first half), we got carried away, and we thought that we had the game in our hands,” Jane said.
“In a way, it kind of gave them hope that they can get back in the game. In the second half, we had to up the pace and ensure that we attack and capitalise on their mistakes.”
In the two previous Awcon tournaments, when they finished fourth and failed to qualify for the World Cup, Banyana’s problem was the bluntness of their attack.
However, on Wednesday, there were six different goal-scorers.
1st training session of @Banyana_Banyana in Accra after playing two games in Cape Coast #limitless #afcon2018 @SAFA_net @SasolLeague @SasolSA pic.twitter.com/IVgaCfnklS
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) November 23, 2018
Thembi Kgatlana continued with her sterling form as she grabbed a brace and two assists, while Jane, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Motlhalo, Nyandeni and Amanda Mthandi also scored.
“It’s very exciting because it shows that team work is the best. Sometimes we all chase for individual brilliance, but it doesn’t always work out,” Jane said.
@Mihlalibaleka
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