Banyana Banyana have been drawn in a tough Group G for the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next year.
To achieve their mission of progressing to the knockout stages, coach Desiree Ellis’s charges will have to get the better of women’s football powerhouse Sweden who are ranked second by Fifa behind defending champions, the US.
Banyana will also have to negotiate past reputable Italy, who are ranked 14th by Fifa, and highly unpredictable Argentina, who are ranked 29th, in what promises to be a tough group.
On reputation, Sweden will be favourites to win the group leaving Italy, Argentina and Banyana, who are ranked 54th by Fifa, to fight for the second spot that ensures progression to the knockout stages.
To make an impression at the tournament, Banyana will have to display a marked improvement as they were recently thumped 9-0 on aggregate by Brazil in their two-match friendly series.
As they stepped up preparations, Banyana were floored 4-1 by Australia in their international match in London, raising serious concerns about the squad’s ability to play at this level of competition.
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