The senior SA women’s football team Banyana Banyana bowed out of the COSAFA Women’s Championship despite beating Eswatini 3-0 at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023.
Coach Desiree Ellis’ charges went into the game with nothing but pride to play for after results from other Group B matches went against them. Zambia and Mozambique both won their matches, ensuring that the former finished top of their group while the Mozambicans claimed the other spot as second-best finishers.
The SA team started the first half with determination, despite losing Thalea Smidt in the 4th minute, and despite knowing that the outcome would not have an impact on the Sasol-sponsored side’s hopes.
Thubelihle Shamase opened the scoring for South Africa in the 6th minute and quickly got another one in the 12th minute to extend the lead for the home side.
Ellis made changes in the second half and gave more players a chance to play in the last game. Nicole Michael, Samkelisiwe Selana and Victoria Muroa (GK) made way for Tshogofatso Motlogelwa, Nomfundo Buthelezi and Dineo Magagula (GK).
Shamase complete her hat-trick in the 51st minute and sealed the victory for Banyana Banyana in a performance that also earned her the player of the match accolade.
“Before we played we already knew that we were not progressing, which was a disappointment for the players.”
Banyana Banyana Head Coach Desiree Ellis
“But we said let’s go out and respect the game and be professionals, play and enjoy the match,” said Ellis.
“A lot of players that are here have been part of the national set up and that is good for the future.”
Meanwhile, Zambia and Mozambique have solidified their positions in the semifinals of the 2023 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Championship following their victories over Comoros and Angola, respectively, during the decisive Group B matches in Gauteng on Tuesday.
In a tightly contested match, the defending champions, Zambia, were pushed to their limits by Comoros, who were already eliminated but managed to hold them to a 1-1 draw at halftime. Fridah Kabwe, who went on to score a hat-trick, opened the scoring for Zambia within the first 20 minutes. However, this lead was nullified by Mohamed Rouika’s goal just four minutes before the halftime whistle.
After the break, Kabwe completed her brace in the 58th minute, quickly followed by a goal from the team’s captain, Lushomo Mwemba, just a minute later.
With 16 minutes remaining on the clock, ZESCO United star Kabwe secured her hat-trick. Zambia’s dominance continued, and Sarah Jere converted a penalty just four minutes before the final whistle at the University of Johannesburg in Soweto.
This outcome ensured that Coach Florence Nkatya’s team finished at the top of the group, tied with Mozambique on seven points.
Mozambique secured their place in the semifinals by winning a hard-fought Lusophone derby against Angola in the other deciding match, held at Dobsonville Stadium. Their victory came courtesy of a late penalty from Amelia Banze, which also allowed them to clinch the best runner-up position.
In another Group A match in Pimville, Malawi secured a 3-1 victory over Madagascar. Vanessa Chikupila, Leticia Chinyamula, and Asimenye Simwaka were the goal scorers for Malawi, while Helisoa Kanto managed to score a consolation goal for Madagascar.
The Scorchers completed their group stage campaign as the top team with a flawless record, while Madagascar exited the competition without earning a single point.
The last remaining semi-finalist from Group C will be determined by the outcome of the highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash between Zimbabwe and Botswana, scheduled to take place on Wednesday in Dobsonville.
Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Championship results on Tuesday, 10 October 2023
Group B
Zambia 5-1 Comoros
Angola 0-1 Mozambique
Group A
Madagascar 1-3 Malawi
South Africa 3-0 Eswatini
Main Photo Caption: The senior SA women’s football team Banyana Banyana bowed out of the COSAFA Women’s Championship despite beating Eswatini 3-0 at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023, 2023. Photo: COSAFA on X
Photo 2 Caption: With Malawi already qualified for the semi-final knock-out rounds, their 3-1 win over Madagascar was academic, 2023. Photo: COSAFA on X
Photo 3 Caption: Mozambique edged Angola to match Zambia on seven points and confirming their qualification for the tournament’s semi-finals, at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023. Photo: COSAFA on X
Photo 4 Caption: Group B’s Zambia confirmed their qualification by thumping the Comores Islanders 5-1,a after leading 1-0 at halftime, at Dobsonville Stadium , on Tuesday, 10 October, 2023. Photo: COSAFA on X
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