10 January Transfers Everyone Wants To See: #10 Thembi Kgatlana

No matter how good some players are, football players or otherwise – they kind of need a bigger turf or neighbourhood to show that they belong, to prove that they have the “it” factor. Such is the story of some of the most exciting professional footballers in the game today, they can only become as big as the club they play for and we have a few names that many would want to see move to other pastures. Some have been rumoured away from their clubs and some haven’t but sooner rather than later, transfers are inevitable. Having saved the best for last, now we unleash her.

Thembi Kgatlana of South Africa runs with the ball during the Women's Group E first round match between South Africa and China PR on Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on August 6, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

(Aug. 5, 2016 - Source: Harry How/Getty Images South America)

South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana is without a shadow of doubt, the biggest and baddest woman footballer on the continent right now, though small in stature. The 22-year-old was explosive for Banyana Banyana during the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup Of Nations tournament held in November. She capped a historic tournament for Banyana by winning the top goal scorer and the player of the tournament award, even ahead of the acclaimed Asisat Oshoala who has seen and done it all. In the coming weeks, she has another chance to claim a place among the world’s best footballers as South Africa makes a historic FIFA World cup appearance in France 2019. She currently plies her trade in the USA for National Women’s Soccer League side, Houston Dash. She has not been rumoured away but many are quite excited with the prospect of Thembi eventually exploring leagues such as the Women’s English Premier League, Ligue 1 or join Asisat in the Chinese Super League. They all want to see her win some of the most celebrated trophies in global club football, all the while raising the South African flag up high. Because of her age, the timeline of the move is not a concern for her fans, they feel it will surface soon or later and will be behind her, all the way.

2019 AWCON: Falcons regain momentum as EG succumb to another humiliating defeat

Ever since the Falcons were defeated by South Africa in their opening match last Sunday, many began to scrutinize the team’s chances of retaining the AWCON title. After the upset, the 10-time champions  were on a mission to remove any doubt amongst fans of their championship form and ability. On Wednesday night they did just that as they subjected the She-polopolo of Zambia to a brutal 4-0 defeat. The win was a reminder to fans and spectators of the game why they deserve to be called the best team on the continent.

Emily Zurrer (R) of Canada and Desire Oparanozie (L) of Nigeria battle for the ball during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 Group A match between Canada and Nigeria at Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion on July 5, 2011 in Dresden, Germany.

(July 4, 2011 - Source: Martin Rose/Getty Images Europe)

The Nigerians dominated the game scoring the first goal in the first half and packing the last three goals into the second half. Despite the dominance of the Nigerians, the She-polopolo defence proved difficult for the Falcons in the early stages of the game. Eventually, the Nigerians established their lead in the 42nd minute thanks to the precision of En Avant de Guingamp striker, Desire Oparanozie.

The Super Falcons built on the momentum of the 1-0 lead in the second half with Francisca Ordega, Rasheedat Ajibade and Amarachi Okoronkwo all scoring in the second half to secure the much needed win for the defending champions.

Zambia had started the tournament with a very convincing 5-0 win against Equatorial Guinea while Nigeria suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss to their Southern African rivals, Banyana Banyana. Both teams need to secure a win in their final group stages match on Saturday to qualify for the semi-finals.

Meanwhile in the second match of the day, Group B counterparts South Africa put one foot in the semi finals as they pulled out a great performance against Equatorial Guinea to win the match 7-1.

Thembi Kgatlana of South Africa runs with the ball during the Women's Group E first round match between South Africa and China PR on Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on August 6, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

(Aug. 5, 2016 - Source: Harry How/Getty Images South America)

Banyana Banyana showed their skill and solid tactical advantage over the two-time AWCON champions throughout the match. The opener came in the form of a penalty which was awarded when defender Dorine Chuigoue was sanctioned for a handball inside her penalty area. Houston Dash forward, Linda Motlhalo was given the responsibility of taking the penalty and she did so with ease, giving South Africa 1-0 lead in the 20th minute of the game.

Thembi Kgatlana pulled out two assists and a brace against Nzalang Nacional. The goal scorer in opening match against Nigeria reinforced why she is a crucial part of the South African attack and for Houston Dash in the National Women's Soccer League. She is laying up quite a claim for being the 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations if you ask me.

Amanda Mthandi and Jermaine Seoposenwe also added their names to the score board minutes before the final whistle to bring to a close the amazing collective performance from the South Africans. Desiree Ellis’ team will look to maintain the brilliant form through to the semi finals where they will have a real chance of being crowned the champions at the 11th edition of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, for what would be the first time-ever.

South Africa’s next match up will be against their Southern African comrades the She-polopolo while Nigeria are strong favorites heading into the Equatorial Guinea match.

Mali make crucial comeback as Ghana’s Black Queens suffer a shock defeat

AWCON is well underway and the tournament has so far lived up to the anticipation and hype. Here is a recap of Match Day 3: Group A fixtures

Mali vs Ghana

Patricia Mantey of Ghana lies injured on the pitch during the women's international friendly match between Germnay and Ghana at Benteler Arena on July 22, 2016 in Paderborn, Germany.

(July 21, 2016 - Source: Lars Baron/Bongarts)

The Mighty Black Queens suffered a shock defeat in their second group match at the hands of Mali on Tuesday Night. This after the Ghanaians had launched a solid AWCON campaign in the opening match by beating Algeria by 1-0. ‎Les Aiglonnes of Mali fell to Cameroon 2-1 in their first group stage encounter. Coming into the match with three points, Ghana were in a considerably more comfortable position and a win would have secured a place for the host nation in the semi finals.

Mali opened the scoring in the 22nd minute of the game after a penalty was awarded against Ghanaian goalie Patricia Mantey. Ghana struggled to come back from the one goal deficit  in the first half and for most of the second half until the 72nd minute when substitute Elizabeth Addo, affectionately called Ama Pele successfully converted the second penalty of the night. A defence mishap in the form of poor defending from goalie Patricia Mantey saw Mali back in front after Bassira Toure flipped the mistake in the favour of Mali. The final score was Ghana 1 -2 Mali. Bassira Toure was consquently awarded the player of the match award.

Mali head coach, Houssein Saloum made two changes to the starting XI that lost 2-1, bringing on Lala Dicko and Aissatou Diadhiou for Kani Konte and Bintou Koite. The tactical move paid off as ‎Les Aiglonnes were able to successfully hold back the Ghanaians.

Cameroon vs Algeria

Cameroon line up before the Women's Football first round Group E Match between Great Britain and Cameroon on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Millennium Stadium on July 28, 2012 in Cardiff, Wales.

(July 27, 2012 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)

Cameroon are on a winning streak as they beat Algeria on Tuesday night, a 3-0 showcase in which Les Lions Indomptables were unforgiving against the North Africans.The first goal came in the 13th minute from Gabrielle Aboudi Onguen after she mounted a solo effort that pitted her against Algerian keeper Kahina Takenint. Avaldsnes IL striker, Gaelle Enganamouit netted the second goal from an assist by Ajara Nchout who scored the third goal for Cameroon six minutes later.

Algeria have now lost back to back matches, rooted at the bottom of Group A standings while The Indomitable Lionesses who are still unbeaten after their two opening matches, lead the group with 6 points.

Group A matches will resume on Friday for the final match ups; Ghana vs Cameroon and Mali vs Algeria. After Tuesday’s loss, Ghana will have to mount a come back charge of their own to win their last group match on Friday against Cameroon in order to secure a semi final place. Cameroon will definitely pose a great challenge for the Black Queens with the match-up likely to be their toughest one yet.

Meanwhile, Zambia will take on Nigeria whereas South Africa go up against tournament late comers Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday night at 17:30 and 20:30 GMT respectively.