Banyana put down marker for France
South Africa (1) 2 Cameroon (0) 1
GOALS: South Africa, Refiloe Jane (43 and 90m); Cameroon, Genevieve Ngo Mbeleck (66m).
● Midfielder Refiloe Jane scored two excellent goals as South Africa retained their Cosafa Women’s Championship title with a 2-1 victory over Central African guest nation Cameroon at a vibrant Wolfson Stadium in Nelson Mandela Bay yesterday.
The victory sees the side not only lift the regional title, but also provides a boost in confidence ahead of the crucial 2018 African Women’s Championships that will be played in Ghana in November, and serve as qualifiers for the Fifa Women’s World Cup in France next year.
Cameroon are potential opponents for Banyana Banyana at that competition and this win will do them a power of good in believing they can finish among the top three sides and qualify for a first-ever World Cup.
South Africa forward Jermaine Seoposenwe had two excellent chances to give Banyana an early lead, but first she could only head straight at Cameroon goalkeeper Annette, and then her tame shot was easy for the glovewoman.
Cameroon were pressing Banyana quickly when not in possession, not allowing them to create any fluency in their passing.
Turned brilliantly
After forcing a turnover of possession, the visitors had a fast break down the right, but Abena Ninon shot wildly over the bar. Just as the first half appeared to be coming to a close with no goals, Banyana took the lead in stunning fashion. Cameroon could only clear the ball to Jane just outside the penalty-box and her first-time shot arrowed into the bottom corner of the net.
Banyana right-back Nothando Vilakazi gifted possession to Raissa Feudjio 10 minutes into the second period and after the initial shot was blocked, the Cameroon midfielder drilled a low shot that was well stopped by Kaylin Swart in the home goal.
Cameroon came close minutes later when Madeleine Ngono Mani got an excellent connection with a header from a freekick, but Swart saved acrobatically.
The scores were level on 66 minutes, though, as Ngo Mbeleck turned brilliantly to take out two defenders, before placing the ball into the same corner as Jane.
Banyana skipper Janine van Wyk was on target with a 27m free-kick that was saved at the second attempt by Ngo Ndom, while Kgatlana should have won the game with two minutes left, but she fired straight at Ngo Ndom. But the winner came as Jane showed great pace to outsprint the defence and plant a shot low past the keeper.