Banyana want to win medal for Salgado

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis insists they will be playing to win a medal for Gabriela Salgado in the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) third-place playoff against Ghana at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium on 25 July.

Kick-off is at 9pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM:

South Africa's title defence came to an end on Tuesday when they were beaten 2-1 by Nigeria in the semi-finals - their first loss in 10 matches at the continental showpiece.

Ellis's side had gone through the 2022 edition undefeated on their way to winning the coveted trophy for the first time, but the Super Falcons had their number on this occasion.

The Wafcon 2022 champions had suffered a devastating blow in the closing stages of the clash in Casablanca after Salgado sustained a horrific injury and left the pitch on a stretcher.

Banyana Banyana have already claimed victory over the Black Queens in the group stages (a 2-0 win on 7 July) and Ellis wants a repeat performance to finish their campaign in Morocco on a high.

Ghana could be affected by fatigue after they were taken to extra time in both the quarter-finals and semi-finals.

Kim Bjorkegren's side overcame Algeria 4-2 on penalties following a 0-0 draw on 19 July, but they weren't able to reproduce the same composure from the spot three days later after succumbing to Morocco 4-2 in the shootout.

The West Africans have only managed to keep that one clean sheet in five games, with their last-four tie against the Atlas Lionesses finishing 1-1 after extra time.

WHAT WAS SAID:

South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis

"Most definitely, there's disappointment with not getting to the final of course but there's still something to play for and that is important. It's not just the medal but like I said we're going to try and do this for Gabriela.

"She is going home with an injury, we will make sure that she gets a medal because it's important that we still fight for the third place, so there's still something to play for, it's not just a playoff match that doesn't mean anything.

"It's a playoff match that gets you a medal and I think it's going to be important how we lift ourselves up after this and then get ready for that match."

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Ghana - Grace Asantewaa became more and more influential for her team as the tournament wore on and she was immense against the Fennecs in the last eight to be named Player of the Match following a standout performance. The 24-year-old midfielder played the entire 120 minutes against Morocco once more and she'll no doubt be pulling the strings in the clash with Banyana Banyana.

South Africa - Linda Motlhalo has a perfect record from the spot at Wafcon 2024 and you can bet that if Banyana Banyana win a penalty in the third-placed playoff, she won't shirk that responsibility. The 27-year-old winger made no mistake from 12 yards out against the Black Queens in the group stages and she was also successful with her spot-kick against the Super Falcons, meaning she is her country's leading scorer in Morocco.

HEAD-TO-HEAD:

Matches – 5

Ghana wins - 1

South Africa wins - 2

Draws - 2