The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana shrugged off some rustiness and got back to winning ways when they defeated Uzbekistan 3-0 at the 2023 Turkish Women’s Cup.
The clash took place at the Emirhan Sport Complex in Antalya on Saturday (18 February).
This was South Africa’s first match since 8 October 2022 when they faced 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosts Australia in a friendly played in London.
Back then, with a somewhat understrength team, they lost 4-1.
For the Uzbekistan clash, head coach Desiree Ellis made four changes from the team that took the field against the Ferns – starting with Andile Dlamini, Karabo Dhlamini, Refiloe Jane and Noxolo Cesane in place of Regirl Ngobeni, Sibulele Holweni, Tiisetso Makhubela and Thalea Smidt.
The move seemed to pay dividends as South Africa raced to an early lead as Jermaine Seoposenwe continued with her fine form from the Mexican League.
The Cape Town-born forward opened the scoring in the 10th minute from a well-worked team goal.
Noxolo Cesane, who also recently moved to Mexico at Tigres FC, sent through a fine pass to the Scotland-based Linda Motlhalo who fired goalward, beating goalkeeper Gulomova Kumushoy but not the upright, and from the rebound, Seoposenwe said thank you very much to give South Africa the lead.
It did not take long and Desiree Ellis’ charges doubled their advantage with another team goal, the Mexican connection again at play.
Cesane found Seoposenwe whose cross went towards Hilda Magaia, but before she could deal with it, Shokhida Tojiddinova poked it into her own net in the 13th minute.
In the 25th minute, Gabriela Salgado laid a well-weighted pass to Magaia, who beat the offside trap, but her powerful left-footed strike was saved by the Uzbekistan goalkeeper who parried it back into play onto the path of Cesane – the pint-sized midfielder made no mistake from close range for a 3-0 lead at the break.
Banyana Banyana made four changes in the second stanza – introducing Regirl Ngobeni, Tiisetso Makhubela, Robyn Moodaly and Nthabiseng Majiya for Andile Dlamini, Bambanani Mbane, Salgado and Magaia respectively.
But the scoreline remained the same and the African champions were still never in danger of losing as Uzbekistan did not pose any threat.
Banyana Banyana’s next assignment is against Slovenia on Tuesday, 21 April.
Kick-off is at 15h00 (14h00 SA Time).
Banyana Banyana starting 11 vs Uzbekistan:
Andile Dlamini (GK), Fikile Magama, Karabo Dhlamini, Bongeka Gamede, Bambanani Mbane, Refiloe Jane (c), Linda Motlhalo, Noxolo Cesane, Gabriela Salgado, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hilda Magaia
Subs:
Kaylin Swart (GK), Regirl Ngobeni (GK), Asanda Hadebe, Noko Matlou, Faith Nokuthula, Tiisetso Makhubela, Kholosa Biyana, Amogelang Motau, Robyn Moodaly, Melinda Kgadiete, Nthabiseng Majiya, Lelona Daweti
By Matlhomola Morake
