The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana needed a stoppage time penalty to secure a place in the final of the 2022 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nation in Morocco.
Sweden-based midfielder Linda Motlhalo scored for South Africa in added time of their clash against a strong Zambia side to emerge 1-0 victorious in a very tough contest.
This is Banyana Banyana’s second final in a row – the last being in 2020 where they lost to Nigeria (the 2020 edition was not played due to the Covid 19 pandemic) – it also their fifth overall.
They have now registered five victories in an many matches.
South Africa will now face the winner of the other semi-final between the defending champions Nigeria and the hosts Morocco, in what is expected to be another nail-biter.
Desiree Ellis’ charges didn’t have it easy.
Banyana Banyana made some changes for this COSAFA derby with forward Melinda Kgadiete, and defenders Bongeka Gamede and Karabo Dhlamini getting a start.
It could so easily have been a different outcome had the Copper Queens converted the chances they got early in the match, where they were in control with South Africa on the backfoot and unable to get out of the first gear.
Zambia troubled their opponents with their pace as Grace Chanda managed a shot from just outside the penalty box in the 13th minute but could not get it past Andile Dlamini in the South African goals.
Margaret Belemu also tried her luck but with no positive results.
Chanda got another chance in the 27th minute but her shot went wide.
Ellis made two changes after the break with Nomvula Kgoale and Hilda Magaia checking in for Thalea Smidt and Kgadiete.
On the hour mark, South Africa thought they had been awarded a penalty for a foul on Noxolo Cesane, but a VAR check gave a freekick instead.
Magaia almost found a winner late in the match when she found herself face to face with goalkeeper Catherine Musonda but the shot was saved.
With extra-time in plain sight, the game changer, however, would come in referee’s optional time when Jermaine Seoposenwe was fouled, with the VAR again coming into play to help with the final decision.
The review went in favour of South Africa who were awarded a penalty – with Motlhalo coolly ignoring the pressure of the moment to slot home the winner and send Banyana Banyana to their second WAFCON final in a row with a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
By Matlhomola Morake
