The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana are through to the semi-finals of the 2022 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nation after defeating Tunisia 1-0 at the Prince Moulay-El Hassan in Rabat.
The victory also saw South Africa qualify for their second consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will take place next year in Australia and New Zealand – becoming the 19thcountry to confirm their place out of the 32 expected nations.
Banyana Banyana struck through forward Jermaine Seoposenwe following a solo run and coolly slotted past the Tunisia goalkeeper after evading the attention of the Tunisia defence.
With some changes made by head coach Desiree Ellis – captain Refiloe Jane and defender Noko Matlou making a return, while there was a first start for Thalea Smidt – Banyana Banyana was still good value as they made it four wins in as many matches.
Captain Janine Van Wyk, Bongeka Gamede and Kholosa Biyana, who started against Botswana, were on the bench for the Tunisia clash.
Banyana Banyana could have won by a wider margin, but they were blunt in front of goals – the enterprising Noxolo Cesane the main culprit.
They were almost made to pay late in the match when the North Africans fought back in search of an equaliser with South Africa defending with everything they have to secure their lead.
In the end, Tunisia ran out of time and Banyana Banyana marched on to the last four of the tournament, where they will face Zambia on Monday for a place in the final.
By Matlhomola Morake
