Banyana Banyana went on to claim a 3-1 win against Malawi on Friday, 2 August, 2019, after going a goal down in the first half at the COSAFA Women’s Championship currently taking place in Port Elizabeth.
The Desiree Ellis-led side had their first taste of victory on Wednesday, 31 July, 2019, when the ladies thrashed Comoros, 17-0. Going into the match against Malawi, there were expectations riding on the shoulders of the players and pressure was sure to be there after having set the bar high.
The Malawians, though wasted no time in making their presence felt as they were the first to add their names onto the scoresheet with just four minutes into the match, putting Banyana on the backfoot.
However, after numerous attempts, the South Africans managed to pull a goal back in the 36th minute, with Lebohang Ramalepe hitting the back of the net.
Returning captain Van Wyk suffered a major blow
Going into the half-time break with the score levelled at 1-1, coach Ellis’ side unfortunately lost the services of captain Janine van Wyk, who was one of the five changes that were made to the squad, suffered a knock that had resulted in her being taken to hospital for an MRI scan.
This blow, however, did not deter the ladies from fighting it out on the field in the second half, as Noxolo Cesane and Amanda Mthandi stole the show to ensure that the defending champions walk away with another victory under their belt.
The next assignment for the South Africans will be on Monday, 5 August, 2019, in the last group stage match against Madagascar.
Banyana Banyana Starting 11 v Malawi:
Kaylin Swart
Lebohang Ramalepe
Janine van Wyk
Bongeka Gamede
Amanda Mthandi
Robyn Moodaly
Hildah Magaia
Tiisetso Makhubela
Refiloe Jane
Ongeziwe Ndlangisa
Busisiwe Ndimeni
Photo 1 Caption: The Banyana Banyana squad pictured during the 2019 COSAFA Women’s Championship match between South Africa and Malawi on Friday, 2 August, 2019, at Wolfson Stadium, in Port Elizabeth. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
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