South Africa’s women’s football team, Banyana Banyana, gears up for a crucial Olympic Games qualifier against Nigeria, with defender Lebohang Ramalepe dubbing the match a “do or die” encounter.
Both teams are vying for one of Africa’s two slots in the women’s football event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The two-legged qualifier promises fierce competition as both sides aim to secure their place on the Olympic stage.
With neither team qualifying for the previous Olympics, the stakes are high for both South Africa and Nigeria. South Africa defender, Lebohang Ramalepe emphasized the significance of the upcoming fixture, acknowledging the pressure on both teams to deliver.
Ramalepe emphasized the high stakes of the upcoming fixture, describing it as a “do-or-die” encounter for both teams, given their shared disappointment of missing out on the last Olympics
However, she expressed South Africa’s heightened desperation for victory, citing the immense importance of qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games in France.
‘This coming game will be tough. It’s going to be really tough. Remember that the two teams we both missed the last Olympics. That’s why it’s a do or die kind of game,’ Ramalepe stressed.
Acknowledging the significance of the fixture arrangement, with the first leg taking place in Abuja, Ramalepe highlighted the advantage this presents for Banyana Banyana, as it allows them to retain home advantage for the return leg.
‘I feel, personally, that playing the away leg first is an advantage for us because it means we will still have home advantage for the last match.
Ramalepe highlighted the need for focus and determination, stressing the importance of not dwelling on past encounters with Nigeria. As preparations intensify, both teams are expected to leave no stone unturned in their quest for Olympic qualification.
The qualifier presents a new challenge for both sides, with Ramalepe underscoring the team’s readiness to confront the formidable Nigerian side. As tensions mount ahead of the showdown, the football world awaits the outcome of this pivotal clash.
