Just one more mountain left for Banyana
JUST 90 minutes of solid endeavour stand between Banyana Banyana and qualification for the the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament later this year, after they collected a 1-0 victory over Lesotho in Maseru yesterday.
The second leg of the playoff against the women from the mountain kingdom will take place at the Dr Petrus Molemela stadium, in Bloemfontein, on Sunday, with overall victory resulting in a spot at the Women’s Afcon in Ghana in November and December.
Yesterday at the Setsoto Stadium, Banyana had plenty of scoring chances, but the one that counted came from the boot of UWC star winger Leandra Smeda.
Jermaine Seoposenwe began with a strong run in the fourth minute, but her cross was cleared by a Lesotho defender.
South Africa took the lead when Smeda’s curling shot found the back of the net in the ninth minute.
Banyana continued probing as Nothando Vilakazi’s cross had the beating of the Lesotho keeper, but the ball struck the upright.
Mpumi Nyandeni reeled off an effort just before the interval, but her attempt was over the target.
Smeda had another opportunity on the hour mark, but could not claim her brace.
Seoposenwe had the final chance for Banyana moments before the final whistle, but the Lesotho keeper again made the save.
SA coach Desiree Ellis is making do without some of her key overseas-based players, so she will be happy with the first-leg win.
The winners of the Women’s Afcon, the runners-up and the third-placed team automatically qualify for the World Cup in France in June and July next year. – ANA and Staff Reporter