Banyana Banyana defender Lebohang Ramalepe extended her congratulations to the Super Falcons of Nigeria for securing their place at the 2024 Olympics after a hard-fought encounter.
Ramalepe, who celebrated her 100th appearance for Banyana Banyana in the game, acknowledged the Falcons’ resilience and commended her team’s performance despite the result.
Ramalepe reflected on the challenges her team faced against a determined Nigerian side, highlighting their defensive solidity and collective effort to limit the Falcons’ attacking opportunities.
Despite falling short in their quest for Olympic qualification, she remained proud of her teammates’ performance on the field.
“It was a tough one. We were under pressure because the Falcons came here with a 1-0 advantage. It’s just that we were not able to go in the final third and capitalize on our chances.
But I think today we did well. We put in a good shift. We were compact at the back. They couldn’t penetrate. I think the girls have done well.”
Looking ahead, Ramalepe emphasized the importance of shifting their focus to the upcoming WAFCON tournament.
With their Olympic dreams dashed, Banyana Banyana aim to regroup and prepare for the next challenge, aiming to make an impact in the regional competition.
“The only thing now we have to focus on is the WAFCON. That’s all we can do.”
As Ramalepe and her teammates redirect their efforts towards future objectives, their resilience and determination serve as a testament to their commitment to success and their unwavering pride in representing South Africa on the international stage.
