Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis will be keeping her fingers crossed that star striker Thembi Kgatlana recovers from an ankle sprain ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals.
Kgatlana sustained what looked like a painful injury in South Africa’s 1-0 win against Botswana in their final fixture of Group C.
The former Atlético Madrid forward had to be carried to a post-match interview on the back of a technical team member, with plenty of strapping around her ankle.
With Banyana through to the quarterfinal where they will face Tunisia, Ellis will be anxious to know if the nifty attacker will take part in the crucial upcoming tie.
They play Tunisia on Thursday and will be hoping the outcome of a scan on the injury she picked up against Botswana’s Mares is favourable.
“I have a sprain. I hope I will recover well and I hope it is not a serious injury,” said Kgatlana, who was named Woman of the Match accolade.
The 26-year-old was relieved as Banyana got their breakthrough late in the match, scoring the match winner in the final 10 minutes of the game. She credited the team for the unity that exists among them for Sunday’s result.
“It is a source of pride, but it is team work that is most important. All the players played well today. We have been able to stay organised, work with a good team spirit and remain united,” said Kgatlana.
“We tried to create some opportunities and the coach told us that we had to be patient. The match against Nigeria was different. We have teammates who are a good mix of players who play abroad and local players. I think we have a great team, we know how to adapt.”
There will be a lot at stake when Banyana play the quarterfinal. That particular tie holds the key to their FIFA Women’s World Cup fate. A place in the semifinals will automatically grant them a spot in the 2023 World Cup finals.
But Ellis will need all the experience and skill as they take on the North Africans on Thursday.
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