The Sasol-sponsored Banyana are through to the last eight of the of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a convincing 3-1 victory over debutants Burundi at the Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan on Thursday night (7 July).
The South Africans now have six points, adding to their win against the defending champions Nigeria in their opening Group C match.
Goals from Thembi Kgatlana, Amogelang Motau and Linda Motlhalo were enough to secure victory for Desiree Ellis’ charges.
They have now reached the WAFCON knockout stages for the 10th time – only Nigeria have progressed from the group stages on more occasions (11).
Burundi managed to net a consolation goal through Aniella Uwimana but could not get more to overturn the scoreline – bowing out of the tournament after their 4-2 loss to fellow debutants Botswana on Monday.
The East Africans also suffered a red card when substitute Annociate Nshimirimana in the second half.
The 2018 semi-finalists could have won by a bigger margin but wasted numerous scoring opportunities – including a missed penalty by forward Jermaine Seoposenwe in the first half.
Kgatlana was the first to shake the scoreboard in the 20th minute before Burundi restored parity 10 minutes later.
But the South Africans regained their lead to take a 2-1 advantage at recess, with Motlhalo extending to 3-1 in the 54th minute from the penalty spot after Kgatlana was brought down.
Despite being in total control of the proceedings, Banyana Banyana could not add to their tally – with Motlhalo, captain Refiloe Jane and Kgatlana, among others, the main culprits as they missed gilt-edged chances.
“We over-elaborated at times, most of the shots that we took were practically straight at the goalkeeper, I thought she would get player of the match. We tried to change it a bit, we looked better. We created a lot of opportunities, but once again our defence was not ready for the counter. We conceded poorly once again,” said Ellis.
The Banyana Banyana mentor introduced fresh legs during the second half, including debutant Nthabiseng Majiya in the 78th minute for Seoposenwe.
The 18-year old forward is the youngest member of the squad and is on the books of Hollywoodbets Super League side Richmond United in the Northern Cape.
Refiloe Jane was named Woman of the Match.
Banyana Banyana round off the group stages with a clash against neighbours Botswana on Sunday (10 July).
The debutants are not an unknown entity to the South Africans – they knocked out Banyana Banyana in the qualifiers of the 2020 Olympic Games.
What will make the fixture even more interesting is that Botswana lost to Nigeria – and both will be battling to see who qualifies as the second team in Group C.
Nigeria will face Burundi in their last match.
By Matlhomola Morake
