Banyana too laid back in PE opener

IT WAS touch and go as Banyana Banyana only just managed to hold on to win this tight Cosafa Women’s Championship clash at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

Expectations ahead of the match were that the reigning champions and hosts would make easy work of the Indian Ocean Islanders, and hopes of a walk in the park sprang eternal when the South Africans rushed into an early 2-0 lead.

The skilful Jermaine Seoposenwe created both goals as she tore the Madagascar defence apart to first set up Khanya Xesi for the opener in the eighth minute. She left two defenders for dead before sending in a perfect cross which Xesi connected to score.

It was soon 2-0, the second strike a replica of the first as Seoposenwe took out defenders before she squared for Nothando Vilakazi to also get her name on the score sheet.

Typical of SA sides though, instead of going for the kill, Banyana relaxed and allowed Madagascar back into the game, Marie Sarah reducing the deficit from the penalty spot.

Fortunately for them, the opposition were more bark than bite and they were never really in danger of losing their lead.

So weak were Madagascar that they even failed to take advantage when Banyana were reduced to 10 players late on after a red card for Thato Letsoso for a second yellow.

The win was a good start for the holders who are using this tournament to build up for the African Women’s Cup of Nations in Ghana later in the year. That continental showpiece serves as a qualifier for next year’s Women’s World Championship.

While she would have been displeased by her team’s failure to kill off opponents there for the taking, coach Desiree Ellis must have been delighted to have her three US-based players arrive in time to make the matchday 18. All of Janine Van Wyk, Linda Motlhalo and Thembi Kgatlana sat on the bench yesterday but should be available to start against Botswana tomorrow.

Botswana started their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Malawi.