Banyana start Cosafa Cup campaign with victory over Malawi

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis believes victory in their opening match of the 2021 Cosafa Women’s was vital.

This is despite her charges losing control of the match in their 2-1 win over Malawi in a Group A tie at the Nelson  Mandela Bay Stadium on Tuesday.

Banyana were always the favourites to win this match, especially after their fine display which saw them clinch the Aisha Buhari Cup in Nigeria recently.

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Melinda Kgadiete took advantage of a mistake by Malawi which saw goalkeeper Samir Amidu leaving her line, only for Kgadiete to pounce in and scored into an empty to give the South Africans a lead with only two minutes played in the first half.

Banyana were  dominant as usual, extending the lead before going into the half-time break through former junior national team player Noxolo Cesane after her shot was deflected into the back of the net.

In the second half, Banyana could have easily scored more goals, but the chances created were wasted, only for Malawi to respond by pulling one goal back in the later stages of the game courtesy of Wezzie Mvula.

Ellis was disappointed with the way her charges conceded the goals and said changes in the second stanza affected them.

“We were in control most of the time. But, when we tried to change too much, we lost control. Towards the end I feel like we did not manage it as well as we usually do. We conceded poorly and we are a team that prides themselves with clean sheets. But that is part of the game. But starting off with a victory is the most important thing,’’ she concluded.

However, the victory was definitely a good start for the South Africans, who are the defending champions of the Southern Regional tournament and they are looking for their record eighth Cosafa Cup title.

Banyana are on top of Group A Standings with three points, while Angola and Mozambique are on one point after playing to a 2-2 draw and they occupy second and third spots respectively, leaving the Malawians at the bottom of the log without a point.

Banyana next take on Angola at the same venue on Friday. 

Cosafa Women’s Championship stats

TUESDAY’S RESULTS

Angola 2 (Caupe 40′, Lima 83′) Mozambique 2 (Pondja 22′, Cuta 78′)
South Africa 2 (Kgadiete 3’, Cesane 37’) Malawi 1 (Mvula 90)

WEDNESDAY’S FIXTURES

12pm0 (10am GMT) – Botswana vs South Sudan
3.30pm (1.30pm GMT) – Tanzania vs Zimbabwe

STANDINGS