Complexe Sportif Mohammed V in Casablanca, Morocco, was a place of jubilation for the South African delegation on Monday, 18 July, as the Sasol Sponsored Banyana Banyana beat Zambia’s Copper Queens in the nail-biting Semi-final of the African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON 2022).
The fast-paced match displayed hunger, passion and the determination of both teams to score and secure a place in the AWCON 2022 final. The penalty awarded to Banyana Banyana in the 90th minute following a tense VAR confirmation moment provided the South African side with much-needed relief when Linda Motlhalo put the ball safely behind the net.
Sasol’s Senior Manager: Group Sponsorship and Brand, Nozipho Mbatha congratulated the team for their sterling performance. “It is amazing what is achievable through hard work”, Mbatha said, adding that the team’s performance to date is the sincerest manifestation of the #LiveTheImpossible attitude. “As Sasol, we have always believed in the capabilities of Banyana Banyana and as they are now even a step closer to clinching that prized silverware, I want to remind them that nothing is impossible when we are determined and continue to work hard. I implore them to keep their eyes on the end goal – to be crowned the Diski Queens of Africa.”
Coach Desiree Ellis commented that the road ahead was not going to be easy, but yesterday was a day of big celebration for SAFA and Sasol, who have been with Banyana Banyana for thirteen years, going into two successive Olympics, two successive World Cups and another successful final. “It has been great support from Safa and Sasol and the fans at home – especially on Madiba Day”.
Banyana Banyana will meet with Morocco at the AWCON 2022 final on Saturday, 23 July 2022 at 22:00.
Noxolo Cesane of South Africa challenged by Evarine Suzeni Suzeni Suzeni Katongo of Zambia during the 2022 Womens Africa Cup of Nations semifinal match between South Africa and Zambia, Casablanca on 18 July 2022 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix 
Refiloe Jane of South Africa challenged by Natasha Nayangwe of Zambia during the 2022 Womens Africa Cup of Nations semifinal match between South Africa and Zambia, Casablanca on 18 July 2022 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix 
Melinda Kgadiete, Nthabiseng Ronisha Majiya, Lebohang Ester Ramalepe, Thalea Lauren Smidt, Refiloe Jane and Hildah Tholakele Magaia, Amogelang Masego Motau and Mapula Nomvula Kgoale of South Africa celebrates during the 2022 Womens Africa Cup of Nations semifinal match between South Africa and Zambia, Casablanca on 18 July 2022 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix 
during the 2022 Womens Africa Cup of Nations semifinal match between South Africa and Zambia, Casablanca on 18 July 2022 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix 
Jermaine Seoposenwe of South Africa challenged by Lushomo Mweemba of Zambia during the 2022 Womens Africa Cup of Nations semifinal match between South Africa and Zambia, Casablanca on 18 July 2022 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix 
Jermaine Seoposenwe of South Africa tackled by Martha Tembo of Zambia during the 2022 Womens Africa Cup of Nations semifinal match between South Africa and Zambia, Casablanca on 18 July 2022 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix 
Linda Maserame Motlhalo of South Africa celebrates during the 2022 Womens Africa Cup of Nations semifinal match between South Africa and Zambia, Casablanca on 18 July 2022 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix 
Desiree Ellis, coach of South Africa celebrates during the 2022 Womens Africa Cup of Nations semifinal match between South Africa and Zambia, Casablanca on 18 July 2022 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
