2022 COSAFA Women's Cup Match Report: African Champions South Africa Thump Angola

• South Africa began life as the reigning Africa Women Cup of Nations champions in the most empathic fashion possible
• Banyana Banyana defeated Angola 3-0 in their opening match of the 2022 COSAFA Women's Cup
• Refilwe Maseko, Sphumelele Maseko and Lithemba Sam-Sam were on the scoresheet at the the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha

African champions Banyana Banyana began their quest for a record-extending eighth COSAFA Women's Cup perfectly.

South Africa defeated Angola 3-0 in a Group A opener at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

Refilwe Maseko opened the scoring for the hosts in the 20th minute. Sphumelele Shamase then doubled this lead with a wonderful 35th-minute striker. Lithemba Sam-Sam scored the classiest of goals in the 89th minute to seal the deal

In the earlier match, Mozambique overwhelmed Mauritius 5-0 to ensure that they finished the day in first place in the group ahead of South Africa by virtue of goal difference.

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Starting lineups:

South Africa:

1. Dineo Magagula. 2. Sphumelele Shamase. 3. Nothando Vilakazi. 4. Koketso Tlailane. 5. Thato Letsoso (c) 6. Refilwe Maseko. 8. Jamie-Lee Witbooi. 10 Busisiwe Ndimeni. 12 Nondumiso Manengela. 17. Erin Herz 22. Sharol Ramaoka

Bench (head coach - Simphiwe Dludlu):

7. Zethembo Vilakazi. 9. Lithemba Sam-Sam. 11 Sinazo Ntshota. 13. Fikile Magama. 14. Madembe Tshikumbu. 15. Mmabatho Mogale. 18. Lizza Mokoena. 19. Michelle Sampson. 20. Portia Masilela.

Angola:

1. Domingas Kananga. 3. Manuela Simao. 5. Matondo Matuvova. 8. Sara Luvunga. 7. Cristina Alegria Makua. 10. Zeferina Caupe. 14. Beatriz Augusto (c). 15. Vanuza Francisco. 17. Teresa Evaristo. 18. Margarete Salvador. 19. Ana Manuela Da Costa.

Bench (head coach - Sousa Francisco Garcia):

2. Indira Luis. 4. Emacleny Lando. 9 Rosa Jamba. 11. Maria Ponda. 12. Rita Gabriela Jose. 13. Fatima Faria. 20. Ladainha Haufiku.

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African champions Banyana Banyana to play Brazil for 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup preparations

Winning the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations and qualifying for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup has its perks.

Banyana Banyana will play very strong opposition as they prepare for the global showpiece to be held in Australia and New Zealand. According to the Daily Sun, the South African Football Association has locked in 2022 Copa América Femenina champions Brazil, Australia and a European country with the backing of sponsors.

The venue of the fixture against the South Americans is yet to be confirmed (2-6 September), while the match against Australia will take place in London (8 October). The unconfirmed European country will lock horns with Banyana in the United Kingdom.

This team is strongly rumoured to be the new European champions England, who edged Germany 1-0 in a dramatic final at Wembley last month.