Coach Desiree Ellis names 24-woman squad for AWCON qualifier against Algeria

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has named a strong 24-woman squad to battle it out with Algeria in the first leg of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifier on Friday, 18 February 2022 Orlando Stadium.

Ellis’s charges will come to this encounter at the back of a defeat against Zambia’s Copper Queens in an International friendly that was played on Saturday 12 February 2022 in Lusaka, Zambia.

The team will be looking to bounce back with a home leg victory that will place them in a good position for a spot at the AWCON tournament scheduled to take place in Morocco in July.  

As previously mentioned during her post-match presser against Zambia Coach Ellis has beefed up her squad with eight overseas based players joining the team that travelled to Zambia.

The squad consists of a few changes with youngster Asanda Radebe (Sunflower FC) re-joining the team as a replacement for the injured Noxolo Cesane.

Lebohang Ramalepe (Dinamo Minsk,Belarus), Refiloe Jane (AC Milan, Italy) and Linda Motlhalo (Djurgarden,Sweden) arrived on Sunday, 13 February while the rest of the players are expected to join camp later in the week.

Banyana Banyana upcoming fixtures:

First leg (Home): 18 February Orlando Stadium

Second leg (Away): 23 February, Algers, Algeria

Banyana Banyana 24-woman squad to face Algeria

Goalkeepers:

• Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
• Kaylin Swart (JVW FC)
• Regirl Ngobeni (University of Western Cape)

Defenders:

• Lebogang Ramalepe (Dinamo Minsk,Belarus)
• Karabo Dhlamini (Oakland University,USA)
• Antonia Maponya (University of Western Cape)
• Koketso Tlailane (Tshwane University of Technology)
• Janine Van Wyk (JVW FC)
• Tiisetso Makhubela (Tshwane University of Technology)
• Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
• Noko Matlou (SD Eibar, Spain)

Midfielders:

• Refiloe Jane (AC Milan, Italy)
• Nomvula Kgoale (Parquesol CD, Italy)
• Linda Motlhalo (Djurgarden,Sweden)
• Thalea Smidt (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
• Mamello Makhabane (JVW FC)
• Kholosa Biyana (Sporting de Gijon, Spain)
• Robyn Moodaly (JVW FC)
• Gabriela Salgado ( JVW FC)

Forwards:

• Sibulele Holweni (University of Western Cape)
• Asanda Hadebe (Sunflower FC)
• Thembi Kgatlana (Atletico Madrid, Spain)
• Hildah Magaia (Moron BK, Sweden)
• Melinda Kgadiete (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)