Three matches, three victories, six goals, two conceded!
That is the story of how the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana concluded their group stage fixtures at the on-going 2022 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
South Africa defeated neighbours Botswana 1-0 in COSAFA affair at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah on Sunday night (10 July) to the group with nine points, followed by Nigeria on six while Botswana has three but still manage to book their place in the last eight as one of the best third spot finishers.
With Banyana Banyana having already secured their quarterfinal spot before this match, head coach Desiree Ellis made some changes to the starting line-up.
Captain Janine van Wyk was handed her first start at the tournament, while Refiloe Jane, who led the team in the previous two games, was on the bench.
Defender Bambanani Mbane also made her return after missing out on the Burundi clash, taking the place of Noko Matlou.
Nomvula Kgoale got to get the taste of the action when she started in a new revamped midfield of Linda Motlhalo, Kholosa Biyana and Sibulele Holweni, while the defence had Karabo Dhlamini, Mbane, Van Wyk and Bongeka Gamede.
Ellis kept faith with forwards Jermaine Seoposenwe and Thembi Kgatlana – but the duo departed early from the action after suffering injuries, with Melinda Kgadiete and the 18-year old Nthabiseng Majiya taking their places respectively.
In only her second international, the teenager got on the scoresheet in the 80th minute to secure victory for Banyana Banyana and ensure clinch the top stop.
Following the last group C matches, the quarterfinal fixtures have been confirmed.
The Southern African region (COSAFA) has three representatives in the last eight of the tournament, and – since they are not facing each other – all three stand a good chance of qualifying for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
South Africa will take on Tunisia, Zambia will face Senegal, Nigeria will continue the defence of their title when they lock horns with Cameroon and hosts Morocco will do battle with debutants Botswana.
2022 WAFCON QUARTER-FINAL FIXTURES:
South Africa vs Tunisia
Morocco vs Botswana
Zambia vs Senegal
Nigeria vs Cameroon
By Matlhomola Morake
