Banyana secure high-profile friendly with No1 ranked nation
Banyana Banyana have secured a high-profile international friendly against the world’s number one ranked nation, the USA.
Desiree Ellis’ troops will take on the USA soon after the 2023 Women’s World Cup in friendly matches scheduled to be played in Cincinnati and Chicago in September 2023.
The reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup champions will battle it out with the African champions in Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on 21 September, and in Chicago at Soldier Field on 24 September 2023.
Banyana head coach, Ellis, expressed her gratitude, as her side will be facing one of the top nations in the world on their own turf.
DESIREE ELLIS ON FACING THE USA
“This is really exciting news, getting to play the U.S. women’s national team so soon after the World Cup,” said excited Ellis.
“We have played them twice before in 2016 and 2019, and now we get another opportunity to test ourselves against the best, but this time as African champions.
“We are all looking forward to these two exciting encounters to show how much we have grown as a team, and we thank SAFA and Sasol for once again getting us quality opposition. But for now, we are concentrating on the World Cup.”
The two nations are currently preparing for the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup due to be held in Australia and New Zealand. The tournament will start from July 20 until August 20.
Banyana will be making their second appearance at the Women’s World Cup, whereas it will be USA’s ninth appearance.
DESIREE ELLIS: ‘THE FOCUS IS ON WORLD CUP NOW’
“The focus right now is of course on the World Cup,” stated Ellis.
“But to get two great matches in our first games back in the USA in two stadiums that are really fun to play in will be awesome for our players and the fans.”
Meanwhile, the USA coach Vlatko Andonovski added that: “South Africa has talented players so I’m sure these will be two entertaining games.”
On Saturday morning, Banyana defeated Costa Rica 2-0 in their closed friendly game ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
South Africa are in Group G alongside Sweden, Italy and Argentina at the FIFA World Cup.
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