South Africa coach Desiree Ellis has named her starting one to face Italy in their final Group match of the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup at Wellington Regional Stadium on Wednesday.
The Banyana Banyana are sitting in third position in Group G with two points separating them from second-placed Italy. After beginning the tournament with a narrow defeat to a Sweden side ranked third in the world, South Africa turned their attention to Friday’s meeting with Argentina.
The African champions looked to be heading towards three points when goals from Linda Motlhalo and Thembi Kgatlana gave them a two-goal advantage. South Africa were unable to hold on, though, as Argentina netted two goals in five minutes to ensure that the spoils were shared.
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Although the Banyana Banyana picked up their first-ever point at the World Cup, the result leaves them waiting for their maiden victory at the tournament. They will be guaranteed a place in the last 16 if they can claim all three points and Argentina fail to beat Sweden, but a win for the South Americans would bring a number of permutations into play.
South Africa Starting XI: Kaylin Swart, Noko Matlou, Bambanani Mbane, Bongeka Gamede, Karabo Dhlamani, Lebohang Ramalepe, Robyn Moodaly, Linda Motlhalo, Thembi Kgatlana, Jermaine Seoposenwe, and Hilda Magaia.
Subs: Dlamini, Cesane, Magama, Holweni, Kgoale, Moletsane, Salgado, Shongwe, Makhubela, Kgadiete, Jane.
Italy Starting XI: Francesca Durante, Lucia Di Guglielmo, Elena Linari, Benedetta Orsi, Lisa Boattin, Manuela Giugliano, Arianna Caruso, Chiara Beccari, Giulia Dragoni, Barbara Bonansea and Valentina Giacinti.