It’s advantage for Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana after they beat Lesotho 1-0 in the first leg of the CAF Women Nations Cup qualifier.
South Africa was by far the better side in this first leg played at the Setsoto stadium in Maseru, Lesotho, on Wednesday 6 June, 2018.
But still, the win put them closer to qualification for Ghana with the second leg scheduled for Dr Petrus Molemela stadium in Bloemfontein on Sunday still to come.
Banyana Banyana had an early scare when Nothando Vilakazi was bumped in an off the ball situation in the very first minute but she recovered to take her place.
Jermaine Seoposenwe then made an amazing run on the 4th minute but her cross was cleared by a Lesotho defender. Moments later Vilakazi made another cross as Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana asked early questions.
Banyana duly took the lead when Leandra Smeda’s curling shot found the back of the net in the 9th minute. It was due reward after South Africa had put early pressure.
Smeda then rose above everyone from a corner kick moments later as Banyana pushed for further advantage.
Vilakazi then almost scored a freak goal when her long range cross beat the Lesotho keeper but the ball just bounced off the upright as the score remained 1-0 for the visitors.
Mpumi Nyandeni then saw her effort fly over the bar as Banyana continued to pile pressure.
The two teams went to half time with the visitors on top.
Excitement rose when Zanele Nhlapo came in for Mogolola on the 55th min, when soon after Smeda’s effort was smothered by the keeper, on second attempt.
Noko Matlou then made way for Chantelle Esau moments later as Ellis sought to add some bite upfront.
Chantelle almost made an immediate impact when she collected the ball from half way line but her powerful was pushed away for a corner.
Kgaelebane Mohlakoana then came off for Gabriela Salgado.
Seoposenwe could have given Banyana Banyana a two-goal cushion, but her attempt was saved by the Lesotho goalkeeper.
SASOL Banyana Banyana Starting Eleven:
Roxanne Barker
Lebohang Ramalepe
Nothando Vilakazi
Noko Matlou
Regina Mogolola
Kgaelebane Mohlakoana
Jermaine Seoposenwe
Bambanani Mbane
Refiloe Jane (captain)
Leandra Smeda
Nompumelelo Nyandeni
Substitutes:
Mamello Makhabane
Gabriela Salgado
Chantelle Esau
Rachel Sebati
Hildah Magaia
Zanele Nhlapho
Andile Dlamini
Photo 1 caption: Banyana Banyana are pictured celebrating their first-half goal Lesotho to win the first leg of the CAF Women Nations Cup qualifier 1-0, at the Setsoto stadium in Maseru, Lesotho, on Wednesday 6 June, 2018. Photo: SAFA.net
With editing by gsport
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