Mamelodi Sundowns legend and former Bafana Bafana international Joel 'Fire' Masilela is uncertain whether Banyana Banyana can replicate the success of the men's national team in the ongoing WAFCON tournament in Morocco.
In the last Africa Cup of Nations finals, Bafana Bafana secured a bronze medal, finishing third in a tournament ultimately won by Ivory Coast.
Tonight, Banyana Banyana finds themselves in a similar situation as they face Ghana in the third-place match scheduled for 21:00 at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Morocco.
READ | Kgatlana breaks silence on Banyana exit
Both teams were eliminated in the semi-finals by Nigeria.
"Banyana are in the same situation as Bafana, but the context is different. Qualifying for WAFCON is not the same as qualifying for AFCON," Masilela tells KickOff.
"To be honest, Banyana Banyana did not perform well in this WAFCON. While they may not have conceded many goals, their overall performance was lacking. They are not the Banyana Banyana I know, and there has been some doubt in their game.
"As defending champions, you shouldn't enter a tournament and play like that. You should field your best players.
"You will always face challenges if you lack individuals with brilliance in your team. You need players who can win you games," he added.
READ | 'Against Nigeria, Dlamini was not solid'
"It's important to have the best defence, the best midfielders, and the best strikers.
"Against Ghana, it's a 50/50 situation, it depends on how Desiree Ellis approaches the game. Tactically and technically, she needs to be prepared to outmaneuver Ghana.
"Will they come away with a bronze medal like Bafana Bafana did? I think that depends on the players. So, there are no guarantees that Banyana will finish third."
