WAFCON Blow For South African As Kgatlana Is Ruled Out With Achilles Tendon Injury

WAFCON Blow For South African As Kgatlana Is Ruled Out With Achilles Tendon Injury

Sampson Adedeji

Just like Nigeria's Super Falcons, Banyana Banyana of South Africa has been dealt a massive injury blow after Thembi Kgatlana is ruled out of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, BSNsports.com.ng understands.

Nigeria forward Asisat Oshoala sustained an injury in the opening game against South Africa and was ruled out of the tournament and has since returned to Spain.

Kgatlana sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon in Banyana Banyana’s last Group C match against Botswana on Sunday and had to be stretched off the pitch in the 69th minute. She had to undergo an MRI scan which confirmed the extent of the injury on Monday.

Banyana Banyana physician, Doctor Rodney Mokoka, confirmed the injury and said the player will return to South Africa for an operation.

“Thembi Kgatlana sustained a complete rupture of the left Achilles tendon against Botswana, which was confirmed by the MRI scan this morning. 

"Unfortunately she will be out for the whole WAFCON 2022 tournament and she is due for an operation back home in South Africa," the doctor said.

South Africa will face Tunisia in the quarter-final of the competition on Thursday.