Playing in chilly conditions on an artificial pitch, the Malawians shocked Banyana by taking the lead in the 17th minute through Chawinga Tabitha after poor defending.
But Banyana equalised four minutes later after Gabisile Hlumbane produced a downward header to set striker Noko Matlou off down the left-hand touchline. The speedy forward played the ball to left-back defender Nothando Vilakazi, who charged through to beat Malawian goalkeeper Msiska Alice with ease.Three minutes later, Matlou cut inside the left flank and fed Amanda Dlamini, who fired home from close-range.
Banyana caretaker coach Joseph Mkhonza caused a pre-match surprise by handing the goalkeeper gloves to young Andile Dlamini instead of the experienced Thoko Mndaweni. The young goalkeeper did well to thwart several Malawian attacks with the South African defence absorbing much pressure.
The Malawians' task became that much harder in the 44th minute after Msiska Sungeni was sent off following a crunching tackle from behind that led to Hlumbane being stretchered off the field.
A rejuvenated Banyana came out for the second 45 minutes of play, with an immediate substitution seeing regular goalkeeper, Mndaweni on for injured Dlamini.
Amanda scored her second goal when she scooped the ball over the Malawi goalkeeper in the 62nd minute.
Yola Jafta scored for Banyana in the 85th minute after capitalising on the Malawians' poor defence.
Chaos reigned in the 89th minute, after East London's 17-year-old Banyana midfielder Robyn Moodley was fouled in the Malawian box. After the foul on Moodley, Botswana referee Bolokonang Lengowe pointed to the penalty spot and Matlou converted to make the final score 5-1.
"We started the match slow, but it's not about how a team starts but how they finish and I am happy with that," said Mkhonza afterwards.
"We came here with a mission to retain the Cosafa Women's Championship trophy and everything still looks to be on course.
"Some of our players are in good form following the Sasol League National Championships held in Bloemfontein a fortnight ago, and others have been following their training programmes in a disciplined manner in the buildup to this tournament."
Source -http://Timeslive.co.za
Ads
Insurance quotes on your mobile
Ads
Insurance quotes on your mobile