THE South African team became one of the first to arrive in Morocco for the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations last night.
Banyana Banyana, who are in the same group as the Super Falcons of Nigeria, landed in the host country yesterday for the 12-team tournament which kicks off on July 2.
“Touch down,” the Banyana Twitter account posted last night.
“Banyana Banyana have landed safely in Casablanca, Morocco where they will continue with preparations for the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2022 set for 2-23 July 2022. #LimitlessAndBeyond.”
South Africa’s opening match will be against defending champions Nigeria, who have won the tournament a remarkable nine times out of the 11 times it has been staged.
The two rivals will clash at the Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat on July 4 from 9pm.
Nigeria and South Africa are the favourites to advance to the quarter-finals from Group C ahead of newcomers Burundi and Botswana.
After their opening group clash, South Africa will take on Burundi on July 7 at the same venue, with Nigeria facing Botswana shortly after on the same day.
The final Group C matches are scheduled for July 10, South Africa battling neighbours Botswana while Nigeria play Burundi.
The winners and runners-up up from the group stage as well as the two best third-placed teams proceed to the quarter-finals.
The four semi-finalists from the tournament will qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
