Talking points as Banyana qualify for 2024 WAFCON tournament in Morocco

Banyana Banyana have qualified for the 2024 CAF WAFCON tournament following their 2-0 win over Burkina Faso at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Monday afternoon. 

Desiree Ellis‘ charges booked their ticket to Morocco next year beating the Western African nation 3-1 on aggregate.

The home side came into this clash with an advantage having secured a goal away from home in the first leg of the qualifiers last week.

Below are the talking points from this showpiece.

JANINE VAN WYK CLOSES HER CAREER 

Janine Van Wyk officially closed her career on the field as the highest capped [185 caps] African player, male or female.

She surpasses former Egyptian international Ahmed Hassan, who held the record for 11 years with 184 appearances. 

The veteran defender was substituted early in the 8th minute of the showdown. 

Van Wyk was replaced by Mamelodi Sundowns star, Lebohang Ramalepe.

To add to that, van Wyk donned the team’s captain armband in both matches. 

JERMAINE SEOPOSENWE RETURNS IN THE STARTING LINE-UP 

Jermaine Seoposenwe, who did not travel with the team last week, returned to the starting line-up for the second leg to boost the home side.

LINDA MOTLHALO AND NICOLE MICHAEL TO THE RESCUE

Banyana star Linda Motlhalo broke the deadlock in the 56th minute of the contest from the spot.

In the 86th minute, the In-form Nicole Michael added to the scoreline to dent Burkina Faso’s chances of getting back into the game. 

Both goals sealed South Africa’s qualification for the 2024 WAFCON tournament in Morocco.

With all being said, Banyana will be hoping to go all the way to defend their title.

South Africa won their first-ever WAFCON title in 2022, following their 2-1 win over the hosts Morocco in the final. 

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