Banyana’s onslaught for their first continental silverware has suffered yet another setback following the outbreak of Covid-19 in their camp in Rabat, Morocco.
On Sunday against Botswana, Banyana’s main striker Thembi Kgatlana suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon ruling her out of the tournament.
Coach Desiree Ellis will therefore be forced to reshuffle her squad for their must-win quarter final tie against Tunisia that will guarantee them an automatic spot for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand after two positive cases were confirmed.
Banyana team doctor, Dr Rodney Mokoka shared the devastating news on the SAFA website on Tuesday. However, the names of the affected people were withheld.
“We had one official who tested positive before the Burundi game [in the group stages of the tournament]. The official was isolated and treated as she was symptomatic,” Dr Mokoka said on safa.net.
“And 48 hours prior to the Botswana game [the final group stage match], we had one player who tested positive for Covid-19 and she was also symptomatic. She was put in quarantine and treated accordingly.”
“Her asymptomatic roommate who tested negative is in isolation, hence they both missed Botswana game.”
The women’s most elite continental showpiece just made its return after it was put on hold due to the breakout of the Covid-19 in 2020 that had a global negative effect.
Dr Mokoka also revealed that the team will conduct the tests on Thursday just before the Tunisia match, to see the extent of damage done by the virus. Kickoff is at 22h00 [South African time].
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