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Khan: 'Banyana have chance to make history'

Experienced coach Farouk Khan has come to the defence of Banyana Banyana ahead of their must-win Group G clash against Italy on Wednesday.

Head coach Desiree Ellis' side sit third in their group and need all three points against the second-placed Italians.

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"I think Banyana have a very good opportunity to make history," Khan tells KickOff.

"Italy is not unbeatable, I think we just need to stop focusing on blaming our attackers for the lack of goals, because they scored.

"They have scored goals in both their games. It's how we defend that is crucial.

"The misconception going around is that when you talk about defending you are only talking about the goalkeeper and the back four.

"I'm talking about defending as a team, from the front. Look at Japan and Spain, Japan went two goals up, and what did they do afterwards? They sat with a low block and invited Spain.

"It's extremely possible for Banyana to get their first world cup tomorrow, it's a cup final, 

"So, on a defensive point, Banyana needs to improve. So, we must stop blaming those attackers because they won't score every goal.

"And many times, they find themselves isolated. I know there have been talks about them missing easy chances, there are no easy chances in this World Cup. 

"When you create 10 chances and score two, I think it's a great return. It's impossible in football to score all the chances you have created.

"I'm very proud of the way our ladies attack. We must sort out our defensive frailties.

"It's extremely possible for Banyana to get their first world cup win tomorrow, it's a final. 

"It could make a difference between a successful world cup and an unsuccessful world cup.

"If we beat Italy, we are going to the last 16. We have the potential, but we have to make sure we are better organised on set pieces.

"We have to make sure we defend more aggressively, higher up the field.

"Once that is sorted, I'm sure we can beat Italy, they are beatable they have so many flaws.

"But at the same time, we must not take things too easy because they are as hungry as we are."

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