Results from match day 2 of Group B at the 2024 HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship have left the pool wide open with three sides still with a chance to qualify for the semi-finals following matches at Madibaz Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday.
Botswana went to the top of the log with four points after thrashing Mauritius 5-0 in the first game. Yaone Modise scored the third hat-trick of the tournament with all her goals coming in the second half including a late penalty in the game.
The other two goals came from Keitumetse Dithebe in the opening 10 minutes and Ontlametse Gaonyadiwe in injury time of the first stanza.
The Mares dominated their opponents, who also had chances to score, allowing the Botswana captain and goalkeeper Sedilame Bosija to show her experience in denying them a goal.
Meanwhile, defending champions Malawi were made to sweat for their first win at the 2024 event with Aseminye Simwaka getting on the score-sheet in the opening minutes of the tie with Madagascar.
Simwaka could have had a brace however Madagascar goalkeeper Verasantatra Diana was determined to keep the scoreline respectable late in the first half.
Malagasy striker Marie Sarah had a good opportunity to level for her side just before the break with only the Malawi keeper to beat and it was Mercy Sikelo who won that contest.In the second half Madagascar had a shot to level through Aimme Christina she got in the opposition box but could only shoot wide over the bar.
It was the star of their opening match again 20 minutes to time with a set-piece however it was an easy save for Sikelo.
The Scorchers launched strong attempts to get a cushion goal however no-one took the responsibility to bury the chances created in the dying minutes of the game.
They are second in the group with an inferior goal difference, followed by Madagascar with three points and Mauritius at the bottom.
