After Zambia pasting, Banyana haul out the big guns for the AWCON qualifier

Cape Town — Banyana Banyana have hauled in their big guns from European clubs to beef up the side for Friday's all-important Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) first-leg qualifier against Algeria in Orlando, Johannesburg.

After taking a 3-0 pasting at the hands of Zambia in a friendly over the weekend, the confidence in Banyana's ranks would have taken a knock. However, the decorated internationals like Refiloe Jane (AC Milan, Italy), Thembi Kgatlana (Atletico Madrid, Spain) and Linda Motlhalo (Djurgardens IF, Sweden) have bolstered the ranks along with a few other overseas-based players.

As a result, Banyana will field a vastly different side on Friday and coach Desiree Ellis feels not too much must be read into the Zambian result.

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"Friendlies are used to give new players a chance and, in that way, we can add to the core squad," said Ellis, in a television interview on Tuesday.

"We last played a few months ago, and our domestic league ended some time ago.

"The Zambian domestic league is still in progress, so their players were in good shape coming into the match.

"We made mistakes and were punished, but we're pleased to have had that experience of playing against good opponents. It will help with our preparation for Friday.

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"On Friday, we will be a different team, and we will need a good start so that we will be on a sound footing for the return leg next week in Algiers. A clean sheet will be a good way to start."

Banyana is ranked third in Africa, six places above Algeria. The aggregate winner of this tie (home and away) will advance to the AWCON