The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana made it two wins in a row as they beat Zambia 2-0 to lift the Three Nations Challenge trophy on Tuesday (3 June 2025) at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, near Pretoria.
Goals late in the second half by Denmark-based Bongeka Gamede and Jermaine Seoposenwe, who plays her football in Mexico, were enough to give the hosts victory.
In an effort to give more players a run, South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis made five changes to the team that defeated Botswana.
The Banyana mentor handed starts to Andile Dlamini, Lebohang Ramalepe, Bongeka Gamede, Linda Motlhalo and Tiisetso Makhubela in place of Kaylin Swart, Refiloe Jane, Gabriela Salgado, Regina Mogolola and Kgaelebane Mohlakoana.
This was the second and final match for the countries in the competition following a 3-2 win for South Africa over Botswana, while the Copper Queens played to a 1-1 draw against the same Mares of Botswana.
Playing against perhaps the most potent strike force on the African continent of USA-based Barbara Banda and Rachel Kundananji, the South Africans held their own and gave them not enough chance in front of goals.
Both sides had opportunities to draw first blood in the first half, but none were converted.
It took a moment of brilliance by Gamede to break the deadlock from a magnificent free-kick in the 74th minute – giving goalkeeper Cathrine Musonda no chance in goals – to score her first ever goal for Banyana.
The African Champions were not done however and pounced on a poor clearance by the Zambia defence with Seoposenwe stealing the ball and calmly slotting it behind Musonda for a 2-0 win.
The Copper Queens piled on the pressure in the dying minutes of the game, but South Africa held firm.
Earlier in the first stanza, the hosts made a forced chance when young forward Adrielle Mibe was taken off after she was left with a bloody nose when she was hit by the ball – her place was taken by Michelle Sampson.
With Banyana hit by the flu bug, not many players were available for selection, including Jane, with the armband handed to Ramalepe.
Ellis also made a further two changes in the second half, with Makhubela and Motau making way for Mthandi and Mogolola respectively.
With the exception of Motlhalo and the Mexico-based players who are enjoying their off-season, the others will head back to their clubs. All are expected to return to the final Banyana training camp later this month where Ellis will trim down the squad of 46 to 21 on Tuesday, 23 June before departure to Morocco for the WAFCON.
By Matlhomola Morake
