Janine Van Wyk started her penultimate match in South African colours and as captain to equal the African record of 184 caps as Banyana-Banyana were held to a 1-1 draw by Burkina Faso at the Charles Konan Banny stadium in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Thursday.
Van Wyk who played 39 minutes of the encounter has been open about beating Ahmed Hassan’s record as the highest capped player in Africa in all divisions. The first leg against Burkina Faso equalled the record and took her closer to that dream as she will bow out of international football after this round of qualifiers.
Meanwhile the African Champions could have had a goal in the first half in the 38th minute through Thembi Kgatlana but it was flagged offside. Noxolo Cesane had another chance two minutes later in the half but it was dealt with swiftly leaving the match locked at 0-0 at the break.
Finally, the deadlock was broken as Hildah Magaia fired in a long-range strike in the 56th minute.
Just four minutes after Kholosa Biyana hit the woodwork, denying Banyana a second, the home team were level, as Oriata Konaté found an equaliser for Burkina in the 68th minute.
But Desiree Ellis’ team were unable to find another goal and the tie ended 1-1.
The two nations will meet again in a do or die tie at the Lucas Moripe stadium on Monday as the winners from this round will qualify for the WAFCON in 2024 in Morocco.
