POLL | Do you believe Banyana Banyana can make a comeback against Italy?

On Wednesday morning all eyes will be on Banyana Banyana as they play their final group game against Italy. 

The team lost narrowly 2-1 to Sweden in their first match and drew 2-2 with Argentina in their second after leading 2-0. 

To progress to the next round they must secure a win. 

Coach Desiree Ellis emphasised the importance of the Italy game, saying it will be like a final for the team. 

“We know it’s going to be a difficult game. They are going to have to protect what they have and we have to come for the three points. It is do or die, nothing less than victory. We have really worked hard on a lot in the last few days, how we can hurt them. We can’t share that plan but we have worked on something we feel can get us the results,” said Ellis.

“We also review. We have a post-match session after every match on what we could have done better, and we work on that a lot in training. Like I said, you can work on it at training and sometimes it is organisational that does not work on the day, in moments where we are not organised. But we have to constantly work on that all the time to allow them to do better.” 

Banyana Banyana striker Hildah Magaia said they are of the same mindset as the coach and winning against Italy is a priority. 

“This is our last group stage match and obviously it is so important, so our talks as players are the same as the coaches. It’s about sharing information and doing what we can to become victorious in the game.”