Banyana Banyana Make Final

South Africa’s national women’s soccer team, Banyana Banyana, have finally managed to tame Zimbabwe, beating them 4-1 in Lusaka a short while ago, to advance to tomorrow’s final of the Women’s COSAFA Cup, where Namibia await them.

Banyana Banyana looked a little nervous as they started in front of an appreciative crowd, but captain Portia Modise managed to calm her team down with a strike in the 13^th minute to give South Africa a one-nil lead.

But Zimbabwe did not make it easy for South Africa, forcing them into silly mistakes, which include at least 12 missed opportunities.

South Africa came back from the break with much more confidence and scored three goals in the second half to take the game away from Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe managed to get in a consolation goal through Marilyn Magodzore in the 70^th minute, but it was a case of too little, too late.

So, it’s South Africa against Namibia in tomorrow’s final in Lusaka.Namibia advanced after beating hosts, Zambia, 5-4 on penalties, following a 1-all score-line after regulation time.

South Africa won the COSAFA Cup back in April 2002, and with the 2004 tournament abandoned due to the lack of a timely host venue, Banyana Banyana remain the defending champions.

Although it’s a young South African team, many see them as favourites against Namibia tomorrow. 

Goals:

SA: Portia Modise 13th; Mpumelelo Nyandeni 53rd; Kylie-Ann Louw 78th; Mathokoane Scrobanyane 80th;

Zim: Marilyn Magodzore 70^th.