Banyana bag first Cosafa Champs win
A brace by Samkelisiwe Selana helped Banyana Banyana to a 3-1 win over Madagascar in their 2023 Cosafa Women’s Cup clash at Dobsonville Stadium yesterday.
This was a good recovery by Banyana who got the tournament off to a disappointing start with a 4-3 defeat by Malawi on Wednesday at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.
It was not a polished performance by this second-string Banyana side but coach Desiree Ellis has time to work on their deficiencies ahead of their next assignment against Eswatini on Tuesday.
Banyana took the lead after 14 minutes when attacker Thubelihle Shamase converted a well-taken penalty to register her second goal of the tournament.
Referee Nuusiku Vistoria had pointed to the spot after Madagascar goalkeeper Anastasie Soanarivo floored an advancing Tshegofatso Motlogelwa in the box, and Shamase stood up to slot the ball past Soanarivo.
Madagascar drew level three minutes before the break when attacker Anjarasoa Velomanantsolo outjumped Banyana defender Ayesha Moosa in the box to powerfully head home.
Veronique Raharimalala had delivered a well-taken corner kick and the ball landed on the head of Velomanantsolo, who rose the highest to beat Banyana goalkeeper Katlego Moletsane.
Banyana restored their lead after 65 minutes with a delightful shot from substitute attacker Selana. She curled the ball away from Soanarivo, who had moved out of her line.
Banyana put the match to bed after 78 minutes when Selana pounced from close range to complete her brace after she connected with a well-taken cross from Nicole Michael.
Madagascar, who lost their opening match 2-1 to Eswatini on Wednesday, will be under pressure to get to winning ways when they take on Malawi next week at University of Johannesburg Stadium in Soweto.