Two from two for Banyana as they top group

Tshepo Ntsoelengoe

Banyana Banyana left it late against Botswana in the Cosafa Women’s Cup, winning 1-0 at the Wolfson Stadium thanks to striker Jermain Seoposenwe (left).

Banyana are now on top of the standings in Group A with two wins after beating Madagascar 2-1 in their opener.

Desiree Ellis’ charges are now set for the next stage of the competition, while Botswana, Madagascar and Malawi will battle it out for the right to accompanay Banyana into the next round of the competition.

The win didn’t come easy for the hosts, who found it difficult to break down the Botswana defence even though they dominated play. Refiloe Jane pulled the strings in the heart of midfield.

Seoposenwe had a chance in the 10th minute, but the striker wasn’t able to get her shot on target.

The two teams went into the break locked at 0-0, as Botswana keeper Sedilame Bosija, who plays her football in South Africa for Bloemfontein Celtic ladies, kept her team in the game with some great saves to deny the Banyana forwards.

Desiree Ellis brought on Houston Dash striker Thembi Kgatlana for Chuene Moriri at the start of the second half.

The striker’s impact was almost immediate when her curling shot flew just over the bar in the 52nd minute.

The home side were awarded a penalty but Nompumelelo Nyandeni was denied by Bosija in the 60th minute.

In the dying minutes, Lebogang Ramalepe floated over a pinpoint cross which found striker Seoposenwe at the far post and she gratefully headed home.