Ellis names Banyana squad for final Wafcon qualification dance with Burkina Faso

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has revealed the chosen warriors set to clash with Burkina Faso in the second round of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) qualifiers.

The battlegrounds are set, with the first-leg encounter in Burkina Faso on 30 November (17:00 SA time), followed by the second leg, which will place at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on 4 December.

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Triumph for Ellis's formidable team would not only secure their passage to the tournament next year, but also position them to defend the crown they clinched in Morocco.

The North African nation, who are set to repeat the role as event hosts for the upcoming tournament, would provide a fitting stage for Banyana to showcase their prowess and potentially claim another title.

Banyana aims to sustain their positive momentum this year, building on their historic last-16 finish at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The team is also progressing through the qualification rounds for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Ellis is anticipating the return of some key players who missed the Olympic qualifiers against the Democratic Republic of Congo due to various reasons, including exams and injuries.

In the previous fixtures, Ellis relied on a young backline and introduced emerging midfielders who showcased their talent under challenging conditions.

"We always spoken about having a core group of players and nothing was more evident in this last game we played.

"We really had to dig deep with all the players that were not available. We've been playing without Bambanani Mbane and Refiloe Jane since during the World Cup.  

"We believe in each and every player