Three first half goals were enough to see Zambia brush aside Banyana Banyana 3-0 in an international friendly match played at the Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka earlier today (Saturday, 12 February 2022.
Red hot Copper Queens striker Barbra Banda scored a brace with Avell Chitundu chipping in with the other one.
The South Africans were no match for hosts in the first half, with Banda making her presence felt with the opening goal just six minutes into the contest.
On the half hour mark Zambia extended their lead through Chitundu.
The Copper Queens grabbed their third of the match just seven minutes before the break – Banda getting her second of the day.
Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis made some changes at the start of the second half – with debutant Anthonia Maponya making way for Thalea Smidt, who also earned her first cap.
Forward Melinda Kgadiete was sacrificed for Noxolo Cesane.
Still nothing changed for the visitors, leading to Ellis introducing fresh legs – Tiisetso Makhubela and Rhoda Mulaudzi replacing Mamello Makhabane and Cesane in the 68th minute.
Banyana Banyana had a better second half and were able to get into the opposition box but still nothing came of the chances they created.
Five minutes from Karabo Makhurubetshi and Mamelodi Sundowns teammate were called up to take the places of Hilda Magaia and Robyn Moodaly.
Zambia held on for victory, a morale booster ahead of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifier against Namibia, while South Africa will have a lot of homework to do before taking on Algeria in the third and final round of the AWCON qualifiers.
Zambia and Namibia do battle on the 16th of February.
Banyana Banyana will face Algeria on the 18th.
The South Africans return home on Sunday, 13 February to continue preparations for the two-legged against the North African.
By Matlhomola Morake
