Women's World Cup

Predicting Banyana Banyana's XI to face Argentina - Will Desiree Ellis restore Andile Dlamini in goals and retain Hildah Magaia in attack?

Michaelson Gumede
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Big Match Sweden vs South Africa Banyana Banyana
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GOAL takes a look at how Desiree Ellis could line-up her Banyana Banyana side against Argentina.

Banyana Banyana will need to be at their best when they go on against Argentina as they look to set their Fifa Women's World Cup in motion.

Desiree Ellis' side suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss at the hands of Sweden, who they let slip out of their grasp. However, their chances of advancing to the knock-out stages are still alive and could be boosted with a win against the Argentines.

The tie is scheduled for 2am (SAT) on Thursday and GOAL takes a look at how Ellis is likely to line-up her side.

Editors' Picks

  1. GOALKEEPER - Andile Dlamini
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    GOALKEEPER - Andile Dlamini

    The seasoned goalie's exclusion came as a shock and Ellis might want to restore Dlamini in between the sticks as she needs all of the experience against the Argentines.

  2. RIGHT-BACK - Lebohang Ramalepe
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    RIGHT-BACK - Lebohang Ramalepe

    Ramalepe is able to play long but yet pin-point passes to the front line which makes her a natural fit in Ellis' philosophy. She should be retained in the line-up.

  4. CENTRE-BACK - Bambanani Mbane
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    CENTRE-BACK - Bambanani Mbane

    Mbane excels in the sweeper role. Her ability to instigate moves forward from the back makes her a natural choice for Ellis in the heart of defence.

  5. CENTRE-BACK - Bongeka Gamede
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    CENTRE-BACK - Bongeka Gamede

    Gamede is rock solid. She hardly sets a foot wrong and Ellis would be making a big mistake if she were to leave her out of the squad.

  7. LEFT-BACK - Sibulele Holweni
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    LEFT-BACK - Sibulele Holweni

    Holweni might have set a few steps wrong in the game against Sweden but Ellis should still invest confidence in her left-back.

  8. CENTRAL MIDFIELDER - Kholosa Biyana
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    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER - Kholosa Biyana

    Biyana is the team's hard rock. She sits in the engine room and serves as the bridge between defence and attack. She is the natural choice in that position for Ellis.

  9. CENTRAL MIDFIELDER - Refiloe Jane
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    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER - Refiloe Jane

    As the team's captain, Jane is the paper that Ellis writes her name on as her wealth of experience and ability to control the tempo of the game will be key.

  10. ATTACKING MIDFIELDER - Linda Motlhalo
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    ATTACKING MIDFIELDER - Linda Motlhalo

    Motlhalo is one of the tried and trusted soliders in the Ellis' camp. She is likely to be deployed in the No.10 role and be the team's playmaker.

  12. RIGHT-WINGER - Jermaine Seoposenwe
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    RIGHT-WINGER - Jermaine Seoposenwe

    Her ability to swing in an unexpected cross makes it easier for Ellis to always include her in the team as she is the livewire for the Banyana team.

  13. LEFT-WINGER - Hildah Magaia
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    LEFT-WINGER - Hildah Magaia

    Magaia scored Banyana's only goal so far in the competition and after she has been declared fit for the game, the 'breadwinner' is likely to start.

  14. STRIKER - Thembi Kgatlana
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    STRIKER - Thembi Kgatlana

    The veteran attacker did well in the opening game against Sweden and Ellis will bank on her experience in this crunch game.