Extra-Time Banda Goal Downs Banyana

Zambia are the 2022 Cosafa Cup Women’s champions after Barbra Banda scored in extra time to give the Zambians a 1-0 victory over Banyana Banyana.

It was a hard-fought final between the young Banyana side led by Simphiwe Dludlu in the absence of Desiree Ellis, and a far more experienced Zambian outfit led by Bruce Mwape, that included star player Barbra Banda, who controversially missed out at the WAFCON.

Over ninety minutes they fought hard at the Wolfson Stadium in Gqeberha, but neither team were able to find a goal that would decide the tie.

And so extra time was required, but still, the goal looked like it wouldn’t come. But after a goalless first half, Zambia finally grabbed the lead, and it was Banda who headed in the all-important goal in the 19th minute of extra time, to make it 1-0.

The Zambian captain could have had a lot more on the day, but she will be delighted to have grabbed the winner.

While Banyana will be disappointed to lose the final, it was a good tournament overall for Dludlu and her rookies, and they can be pleased with the overall efforts.

In this edition of iDiski Times Grant Margeman talks about his desire to show his worth at SuperSport United and eventually return to claim a spot at Mamelodi Sundowns. Banyana coach Desiree Ellis talks about their preperation for the World Cup and how the WAFCON gold medal has changed everything. There is also a feature putting focus on the Bafana Bafana goalkeeping conundrum. Read this and a whole lot more in the full edition below: