The youthful COSAFA Banyana Banyana got their campaign in the regional tournament to a winning start after they beat Namibia 1-0 at a chilly Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha, on Tuesday.
After creating numerous chances but failing to make them count, coach Maud Khumalo’s charges finally found the breakthrough when a late goal from Tshegofatso Motlogelwa settled the match five minutes from time. It was a tough and scrappy game at times with Namibia dominating the opening half, but the Sasol-sponsored South Africans also standing their ground during the contest.
The two sides went into the halftime break still deadlocked and COSAFA Banyana Banyana returned with a bit more spring in their step in the second period.
The two teams continued to battle gamely, and it took Motlogelwa’s decisive late strike to finally settle matters and secure the win for Khumalo’s side.
Khumalo was happy that her players walked away with all the spoils in their opening match of the tournament. South Africa’s Isabella Alexa Luwig walked away with the player of the match award.
This result sees Banyana Banyana in second place with three points in Group A ahead of the third-placed Namibians (0 points), and behind leaders Eswatini.
The neighbouring Eswatini are top of the table after recording their biggest victory at the tournament with a 6-0 trashing of debutantes Seychelles 6-0 in the match played earlier in the day.
Banyana Banyana will face Eswatini in their second match on Friday.
