SA roll past Lesotho

South Africa 3-0 Lesotho BANYANA Banyana got their 2017 Cosafa Women’s Championship campaign off to a perfect start with a 3-0 demolition of neighbours Lesotho in a group C match played at Luveve Stadium yesterday.

South Africa started the game on the front foot by attacking Lesotho from the first whistle.

Lesotho, however, maintained a good shape at the back making it difficult for the Banyana front line led by Rhonda Mulaudzi to breach the defence.

It took 27 minutes for the South Africans to take the lead when Leandra Smeda’s speculative long range effort found the back of the net.

The goal seemed to be a wake-up call for Lesotho, who slowly got into the game with captain Boitumelo Rabele dictating terms in the middle of the park.

Rabele quickly became the fans’ favourite with her touches drawing applause. She unleashed a thunderbolt in the 40th minute that was, however, well saved by Andile Dlamini in goals for Banyana.

Just before the break, Kefoue Makoa came close for Lesotho with a free-kick that cannoned off the upright. The teams went into the half-time break with Banyana leading 1-0.

Smeda came close at the resumption of the second half with a shot that rattled the cross bar from inside the box.

Banyana doubled their lead through Chantelle Esau, who showed great composure inside the box to slot home.

Chrestinah Kgatlana put the game to bed for Banyana by beating the Lesotho defence for pace to score.

Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis said despite the win, they were not at their best.

“We did not play as well as we wanted, but it was great to win the first game. We have another game tomorrow and have to focus on our recovery,” said Ellis.

She said Zimbabwe are the favourites to win tournament given that they are the hosts.

Lesotho coach Monts’o Monaheng said his team played well despite the loss.

“The girls played well. We were punished for lack of concentration, but it is only the first game and we have two more to go. Hopefully, we recover from the loss,” said Monaheng.

Meanwhile, Swaziland beat Mauritius 3-0, while Kenya beat Mozambique 5-2 in other matches also played at Luveve Stadium.