Banyana hold on for tight win

MAGICAL: SEOPOSENWE WAS THE STAR OF THE MATCH

Tshepo Ntsoelengoe

Banyana Banyana began their 2018 Cosafa Women’s challenge with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar at the Wolfson Stadium yesterday, despite finishing the match with 10 players following the red card of debutant Thato Letsoso.

A sterling performance from Banyana midfielder Jermaine Seoposenwe started the magic for Banyana, creating two goals for the home side just inside 20 min.

It didn’t take long for Desiree Ellis’ charges to get their first goal, with Seoposenwe cutting through from the right flank before playing a cross for Khanya Xesi and the 19-year-old made no mistake, scoring from close range in the eighth minute.

Banyana got the second goal in the 19th minute, with Seoposenwe becoming the provider again with the goal almost being identical to the first, but this time around being converted by Noluthando Vilakazi, with a calmly taken shot.

Even though the home side looked pretty convincing on attack, their defence seemed a bit sloppy and Madagascar midfielder Marie Rasoanadrasana took full advantage of the situation.

The visitors were able to pull one goal back via a spot kick in the 21st minute, courtesy of Rasoanadrasana, who almost made it 2-2 minutes later through a set piece. However, the ball hit the crossbar as the game went into the break with Banyana in the lead.

Madagascar seemed like a totally different side in the second half with the side growing in confidence minute by minute. But Banyana were not going to stand by and watch and Seoposenwe continued with her good performance and was almost rewarded with a goal, but her long-range shot hit the crossbar on the halfhour mark.

Late in the game, Banyana suffered a major blow when Letsoso was given a red card after receiving her second yellow card, but the team was able to hang on to register their first three points in group A at the tournament.