Goals bring joy at last for Banyana

LIMBE: In the Limbe Omnisports Stadium where Hlompho Kekana smashed his way into being nominated for the goal-of-the-year award, Banyana Banyana bulldozed their way into the semi-final of the Africa Women Cup of Nations. Perhaps it’s a good thing, then, that the women’s national team will stay in this city that has been good to South Africans a bit longer.

The serene Limbe feels like a different country compared to the hustle and bustle of Yaounde where the hosts, Cameroon, are based. Yesterday, while Banyana took on Egypt, the Indomitable Lionesses squared off against Zimbabwe in Yaounde with kick-off at the same time. A paltry crowd watched this crucial match to decide who will join Cameroon in the last four.

They got their money’s worth, with Banyana finally scoring in this tournament. Once they started scoring, they didn’t stop, as if they were making up for the other two matches. Silindile Ngubane, in her first start in the tournament, put on a show. The skilful midfielder was Banyana’s livewire, something they lacked in the loss to Cameroon and goalless draw with Zimbabwe.

Ngubane created a lot of space for Andisiwe Mgcoyi and Jermaine Seoposenwe to exploit. She went further and created Mgcoyi’s goal, Banyana’s first.

The lanky striker didn’t have to do much but guide the ball into the back of the net after Ngubane beat three defenders before playing a cross that fell into the path of Mgcoyi. The time it took to get that goal, almost half an hour, felt like for ever because Banyana attacked the Egyptians from the first whistle. But once they kicked into action, they hit Egypt with a flood of goals in the stadium that’s by the sea.

Tomorrow Banyana will know who they play in the last four here on Tuesday. It is likely to be Nigeria, who take on Kenya.