Hosts South Africa have secured a place in the semifinals of the 2024 Hollywoodbets Cosafa Women’s Championship after a 3-0 win over Eswatini at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Gqeberha on Friday.
Namibia kept their hopes alive as they thumped Seychelles 7-0 in the opening game of the day, but seven-time winners Banyana Banyana have booked a knockout berth.
They lead Group A by six points and can make it a full haul of nine if they beat Seychelles in their final pool match on Monday. But even a defeat would see them progress.
That is because only one of Namibia or Eswatini would be able to match their six points, but whoever it is, South Africa would trump them on the head-to-head rule having beaten both in the competition already.
A goal from 16-year-old Nobuhle Mdelwa in the first half, a stunner from goalkeeper Jessica Williams and late strike by Ayesha Moosa ensured that Banyana Banyana made it two wins from two.
South Africa had chances to break the deadlock in the first half through Mmabatho Mogale and Thalea Smidt but they were off target until a stunner by Mdelwa five minutes before halftime.
Ten minutes into the second period Williams struck a rare beauty, carried by the strong wind, from her own half to double the hosts’ lead while Moosa secured the winner in the last five minutes.
In the earlier kick-off, Fiola Vleite netted a hat-trick as Namibia defeated Seychelles 7-0 at the same venue.
The other goals came from the boots of fellow winger Twelikondjele Amukoto, Irene Kooper (two) and captain Zenatha Coleman, who also had two assists.
The Brave Warriors came into the encounter needing to win by a large margin to give themselves a shot at qualifying for the knockouts following their 1-0 loss to South Africa in the opener.
For the debutantes Seychelles this was their second loss on the trot and have conceded the most goals (13) so far at the competition in Gqeberha.
Day five will see match-day 2 for Group B as Botswana take on Mauritius at 12h00 CAT and Malawi play Madagascar at 15h00 CAT. Both fixtures are at the Madibaz Stadium. – cosafa.com
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
