Ndesi scores three goals in final
THREE goals from Andisiwe Ndesi saw City Lads beat Continental Express 3-0 in the final to win the Safa Nelson Mandela Bay Women’s Celebration Tournament at Rosedale fields in Uitenhage.
The New Brighton side have been the tournament favourites since its inception six years ago but had failed to win the trophy two years running.
Defending champions Manchester Babes could not defend their trophy in front of their home supporters.
They were knocked out 4-2 on penalties in the semifinals by Lads, after the game ended 0-0.
Lads sailed through the group stages. They thrashed Vuku Wanderers 4-0 and moved on to beat Hearts 9-0 to advance to the semifinals. In the semifinals they beat Mustang 2-1.
Meanwhile, Express beat Walmer Ladies 9-0. The Kwazakhele side then thrashed PE United 4-0 and moved into the semifinals.
In the semifinals, they beat Highbury FC 1-0 and went on to meet Lads in the final.
Lads dominated throughout, giving Express little space to play.
The only clear scoring chance the Kwazakheke side had was when Yoliswa Memke found herself facing the goalkeeper after she passed easily through Lads’ defence. But her attempt was unsuccessful.
Ndesi’s two goals put her side in the lead at half time. Her third goal came in the second half.