South Africa’s Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini has admitted that Banyana Banyana have to be at their best to beat Nigeria in their group opener at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Banyana Banyana will test their title credentials when they face nine-time champions and holders, Nigeria in a much-anticipated Group C opener, Monday evening.

South Africa came close to winning the tournament for the first time in 2018, but lost to Nigeria in the final via penalty shoot out.

Much like in 2018, both teams will clash again in the Group phase and Dlamini highlighted how important the game is to Desiree Ellis team.

“Your first game of the tournament is always the biggest game and what makes it even bigger is that it is Nigeria, who are the defending champions. So because it is Nigeria, the game is bigger than what it is supposed to be.”

“It’s also the first game of the tournament and you want to start well. And you know, it’s going to be a tough encounter,because they are a top side. They’re not the champions of Africa for nothing.”

“They’ve been consistent over the last couple of years and that is where we have to improve – to be consistent in our performances, to be able to be close enough to this, but I think it’s all about the three points.”

“I think the three points are the most important at the moment to get the tournament off to a good start,” Dlamini said.