Jerry Tshabalala is pleased with his team’s performance against TP Mazembe of Congo in their last Group B match.
Zanele Nhlapho, Lelona Daweti, Melinda Kgadiete, and Gabonnelwe Kekana scored for Banyana Ba Style as they defeated their opponent by a score of 4-0.
Despite needing only a draw to advance to the knockout phase and win the group, Sundowns Ladies once again displayed precision finishing, which thrilled Kappa.
“It was a really important match against TP Mazembe, who were also vying for maximum points. However, we scored early, which calmed our anxieties and allowed us to assume control of the match. Credit must be given to both the team and our defensive line for neutralizing our opponents’ offensive threats. We are pleased with the three points and even more ecstatic to have won the Group,” said Coach Jerry.
Kappa was particularly pleased with the number of goals scored thus far: “We are making extremely excellent progress, as we scored only two goals in the group stage last year, compared to 11 this year. These are confidence boosters for the team because we intend to score against every opponent. I am also pleased that everyone is contributing to the scoring and we are not reliant on a single player.”
With a spot in the final at stake, Coach Tshabalala cannot wait for the enticing quarterfinal match against the Simba Queens of Tanzania.
“Everyone will be anticipating this match because both teams are vying for a spot in the final. They are a fairly solid team with fast players capable of making deadly runs. To be the champions of Africa, we must thwart the intentions of our opponents, and we’re prepared for our next mission,’ concluded Kappa.
Upon scoring upon her return to full fitness, replacement Gabonnelwe Kekana, who is experiencing her first taste of the continent’s finest women’s championship, exclaimed, “I am so thrilled that we have advanced to the competition’s semifinals. We intended to get to the knockout stages in the most advantageous manner possible, and we did it. The match on Wednesday will not be an easy one, but we are confident in our chances and will be aiming for victory once again.”
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies will play Simba Queens FC of Tanzania on Wednesday, while ASFAR of Morocco will play Bayelsa Queens FC of Nigeria.
The winner of this year’s competition will receive $400,000, the runner-up will receive $250,000, and the semifinalists will each receive $200,000.