South Africa vs Ivory Coast Women WAFCON Preview
South Africa are aiming to bounce back from a defeat in the opening fixture when they face Ivory Coast in their second Group B clash at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
The Ivorians are also keen to strengthen their lead at the top of the standings, and with neither defence convincing at the moment, an open contest is on the cards.
Key Stats
- South Africa have scored in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- South Africa have conceded in five of their last eight matches in all competitions.
- Ivory Coast have scored in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Ivory Coast have conceded in two of their last three matches in all competitions.
One Win Each
There have been two previous meetings between South Africa and Ivory Coast, with both teams claiming one win each.
Banyana Banyana claimed a 2-1 victory in a friendly in 2014 while Ivory Coast triumphed 1-0 in the third-place match of the WAFCON that same year.
Disappointing Start For Banyana Banyana
South Africa had a disappointing start to their WAFCON campaign as they fell 2-1 to Tanzania. Bambanani Mbane struck an equaliser just before the break, and they looked to be headed for a draw before conceding the winner three minutes from time.
Manager Desiree Ellis will consider that result a blip as South Africa's overall form has been decent lately. Banyana Banyana are unbeaten in seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
One thing South Africa can count on is their attack, having scored in their last 10 matches in all competitions. However, they are a bit unconvincing defensively and are without a clean sheet in five of their last eight fixtures in all competitions.
Ivory Coast Up and Running
Ivory Coast enjoyed a smooth start in Group B, claiming a 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso in their opening fixture. Ines Konan netted a brace while Rebecca Elloh and Nsira Ouedraogo were also on target.
It was a solid start to the campaign for Ivory Coast, and the result is consistent with their recent form. Reynald Pedros’ team are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Like the South Africans, Ivory Coast are also solid going forward and have scored in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions. However, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in two of the last three fixtures in this run.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
South Africa (4-2-3-1): Andile Dlamini; Lebogang Remolepe, Bambanani Mbane, Bongeka Gamede, Karabo Dhlamini; Linda Motlhalo, Refiloe Jane; Sinoxolo Cesane, Hildah Magaia, Nthabiseng Majiya, Thembi Kgatlana.
Majiya was a halftime substitute for South Africa in the opening fixture and could earn a start in this one. She should play up front alongside Kgatlana while Mbane is expected to continue at the back.
Ivory Coast (4-4-2): Aramatou Diakite; Aicha Fofana, Anastasie Gbehi, Mariam Diakite, Katchi Yapo; Rosemonde Kouassi, Bernadette Amani, Grace Sery, Rebecca Elloh; Nsira Ouedraogo, Ines Konan.
Ivory Coast are expected to stick with the team that thrashed Burkina Faso in their opening fixture. Ouedraogo and Konan should continue in attack after getting on the score sheet last time out, while Gbehi is set to continue at the back.