Banyana Beat Botswana, QF Opponents Confirmed

Banyana Banyana will meet Tunisia in the Quarter-Finals at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, after wrapping up Group C by beating Botswana 1-0 on Sunday at the Prince Moulay Abdella Stadium in Rabat.

Banyana had already qualified for the quarter-finals after winning both their opening games, however, the result of this game would determine who they would face in the last eight, and with Desiree Ellis’ team finishing top of Group C, they will now meet the Tunisians, who finished third in Group B, in the quarter-finals.

This is the first time that South Africa have won all three of their group games, in this their 13th appearance at a WAFCON.

Nigeria thrashed Burundi 4-0 in the other game, to confirm that both they and debutants Botswana also reached the next stage.

Ellis made changes once again, this time making six changes to her starting line-up, as skipper Janine Van Wyk got to make her first start of the tournament, and in doing so picked up a record 181st cap.

Karabo Dhlamini got the first chance for Banyana in the fifth minute, but her long-range attempt was off target. Nomvula Kgoale’s shot two minutes later flew over, as did Thembi Kgatlana’s hopeful shot from distance moments later.

Banyana were gaining confidence but were off target again in the 11th minute, this time Kholosa Biyana shooting wide. 

Kgatlana went narrowly wide with a left-footed shot in the 17th minute, while a minute later Sibulele Holweni’s effort forced a save from Maitumelo Bosija. 

Van Wyk’s header in the 20th minute was cleared off the line. With just over ten minutes to go in the half, Jermaine Seoposenwe limped off with an injury, and was replaced by Melinda Kgadiete. 

Linda Motlhalo was off target in the 40th minute, while Holweni’s effort four minutes later was deflected behind. Kgadiete headed wide moments later, and at the break, while Banyana were in charge, it remained goalless.

Get unlimited, fast 5G home wifi. Delivered to you fast from rain.co.za

Holweni’s attempt two minutes into the second half was straight at Bosija, while Motlhalo’s effort in the 49th minute went just wide. Kgadiete had a great chance a minute later, but Bosija made an excellent save to deny the substitute.

Kgatlana’s effort in the 58th minute lacked power, while Biyana’s free-kick attempt ten minutes later was always going off target. However, her shot in the 71st minute needed a save from Bosija to keep it out.

Banyana’s injury concerns continued as Kgatlana had to leave the field on a stretcher.

Banyana finally broke the deadlock in the 80th minute, as teenage substitute Nthabiseng Majiya found the back of the net, following up after Bosija saved Kgoale’s initial attempt.

Ellis’s team easily controlled and managed the remaining minutes of the match and will take confidence going into next week’s last eight game.

Click below to read the FREE digital version of the iDiski Times newspaper for the full story with Radebe. Also interviews with Orlando Pirates striker Kwame Peprah, Edwin Gyimah, Fran Hilton-Smith and Paul Lamb. We also have the latest rumours on Kaizer Chiefs’ chase of Enow Nkembe, Sundowns agreeing terms with Moroccan defender and the latest on Bongani Zungu!