Banyana in semis

South Africa (1) (0) Kgatlana 8’ Zambia (1) (0) Kundananji 10’

ALTHOUGH they might have rued the chances that they created in the match, Banyana Banyana’s 1-1 draw against Zambia in the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (Awcon) was enough to see them into the semi-finals.

Their progression into their last four was hugely boosted by their dominance in the last two matches - they beat 10-time African champions Nigeria 1-0 in the tournament opener, followed by a 7-1 thrashing of Equatorial Guinea in the second group match in Ghana.

As a result, coach Desiree Ellis’ troops took the lead courtesy of their best player at the moment, Thembi Kgatlana.

The Houston Dash striker continued with her brilliant performance in the Awcon as she opened her side’s scoring in the eighth minute. This was Kgatlana’s fourth goal in the tournament.

She has also bagged two lady of the match awards.

Following a through-ball from the left wing, Kgatlana calmly controlled the ball just outside the 18-area before unleashing a thunderbolt into the top corner.

However, two minutes later, that advantage was cut short as Shepolopolo levelled matters courtesy of Rachel Kundananji.

The big Zambian striker got to the end of a team-play and beat goalkeeper Kaylin Swart at her near post. But did that demotivate the South Africans? No.

They continued to dominate the interchange of play in the first half, as they played the ball with more purpose in the heart of the midfield.

Play in the first stanza was orchestrated around right-back Lebohang Ramalepe.

Ramalepe was in her 51st match, and she didn’t disappoint as she made productive runs along the flanks of the midfield.

However, Shepolopolo were resilient in not allowing the South Africans to run over them. Their main lady, Kundananji was a nuisance for Banyana’s defence.

Earlier on Refiloe Jane should have put Banyana ahead, however she ballooned the opportunity wide of goal.

Early in the second half, Banyana should have restored their advantage but their set-piece at close range was casual.

However, that missed opportunity was yet again their wake-up call as they controlled play but were let down by their finishing.

In the 65th minute Kgatlana should have grabbed her brace as she rounded goalkeeper Hazel Nali but fired wide of goal.

That was followed up by an attempt from Jane at close range but she ballooned the attempt.

Meanwhile, in the other group B match of the biennial competition, the Super Falcons ensured that they bagged their last-four spot as they beat the Equato-guineans 6-0 in their last match.