The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana will have everything to play for when they face Eswatini in both sides’ last group fixtures of the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Championship 2023.
The two nations go toe to toe at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto at 15h30, while Malawi, who have already booked their place in the semi-finals, take on Madagascar at the UJ Stadium, also at the same time.
South Africa will look back at the 3-4 opening loss to Malawi as their downfall, despite bouncing back to a laboured 3-1 win over Madagascar.
“We had one training session to try and fix a few things, but unfortunately, we cannot fix everything in one session, it’s going to take a bit of time. At times I think we expect too much from a group that’s just come in, but that’s the quality that we have with the players that we’ve selected and that’s why we expect too much, and maybe we should just go back and have a look again and see how we can go into the next game – it’s another must win of course. For today I am happy with the result but not happy with the performance,” said Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis after the Madagascar win.
As matters stand, with the Malawians already clinching the top spot in Group A, South Africa’s passage to the last four is dependent on the results in the other two groups as the best runner-up.
First of all, to stand any better chance of proceeding, Banyana Banyana have to win against Eswatini – anything less they are eliminated from the competition.
Both sides are on three points, followed by Madagascar, who are yet to collect points – and the Islanders’ struggle could continue as they face a solid Malawi team that has shown great intentions of winning this year’s edition.
Standing in South Africa’s way of progress are Botswana and Zimbabwe (Group C) as well as Mozambique and Zambia in Group B.
In their final group stages clash, The Mares, who are currently on four points, face a Zimbabwe side that is sitting on six points following back to back wins. The latter needs to avoid defeat to confirm passage to the next round, while victory for Botswana will take them to the top of the table on seven points.
A very tight affair is playing out in Group B – both Mozambique and Zambia are level on four points each, they also have a similar goal difference.
The duo need a victory to get to the semi-finals, but Zambia have an easier run in as they face Comoros who haven’t won any match, while Mozambique tackles an Angola outfit that can turn the tables on them on their day.
UPCOMING FIXTURES:
TUESDAY, 10 OCTOBER 2023
Group B:
Zambia vs Comoros
UJ Stadium
12h00
Angola vs Mozambique
Dobsonville Stadium
12h00
Group A:
Madagascar vs Malawi
UJ Stadium
15h30
South Africa vs Eswatini
Dobsonville Stadium
15h30
11 OCTOBER 2023
Group C:
Zimbabwe vs Botswana
Dobsonville Stadium
15h30
Namibia vs Lesotho
UJ Stadium
15h30
GROUP STANDINGS:
| GROUP A | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
| Malawi (Q) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 3 | 9 | 6 |
| South Africa | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 3 |
| Eswatini | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 9 | -7 | 3 |
| Madagascar | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 0 |
| GROUP B | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
| Mozambique | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Zambia | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Angola | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Comoros | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 8 | -7 | 0 |
| GROUP C | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
| Zimbabwe | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 6 |
| Botswana | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Namibia | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 1 |
| Lesotho | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 0 |
Entrance for fans to all matches will be FREE of charge, with tickets available at the stadium on match day. They are limited to four per person. You can view all of the fixtures here.
If you cannot get to the stadium, you can watch all matches streamed LIVE on FIFA+.
Games will also be carried on SuperSport.
By Matlhomola Morake
