Ruthless Banyana dismantle Mozambique in Afcon qualifier

Banyana Banyana handed Mozambique a 7-0 drubbing in the first leg of the Caf Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifier at Estadio Matola, Maputo on Wednesday afternoon.

A brace each by Gabriela Salgado and Linda Motlhalo and goals from Melinda Kgadiete, Janine van Wyk, Noxolo Cesane saw Banyana taking a solid advantage going into the second leg.

Getting a win against Mozambique was vital for coach Desiree Ellis and her troops, after the team had a disappointing campaign in the recently finished Cosafa Cup which was held in Port Elizabeth, where the South African senior women’s team ended the tournament in fourth place.

Going into this match, the Banyana mentor opted to leave out Atletico Madrid ladies striker Thembi Kgatlana in the starting line-up, as Ellis put her faith in Kgadiete and Motlhalo to get the goals for Banyana and they did not disappoint her.

Kgadiete, the Mamelodi Sundowns ladies striker, who has been enjoying some good performances for the country and her club, put South Africa in the lead just after 20^th minute into the match, beating the hosts keeper Costa Eva.

19 minutes later, Banyana would go on to double their lead, thanks Motlhalo, before Salgado made it 3-0, with Banyana going into the half-time break with a comfortable lead.

The home side were struggling in the match, with Banyana looking comfortable on the ball. The visitors weren’t done with the goals, as skipper Van Wyk made it 4-0 for Banyana in the 64^th minute.

A minute later, Salgado would go on to score her second goal of the match to make it 5-0. Mozambique did have a chance to find the back of the net from a set-piece, but Manuel Cina’s attempt hit the crossbar.

While the hosts continued to try and fight their way back into the game, Banyana added more salt to their wound by scoring Banyana’s sixth goal of the match, thanks to Cesane.

In the dying moments of the game, Motlhalo made it 7-0 as she grabbed her brace and gave Banyana a huge advantage going into the second leg, scheduled for 26 October at Dobsonville Stadium.