Banyana Banyana Score Late To Break Botswana Hearts and Secure Victory in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Game

Banyana Banyana Score Late To Break Botswana Hearts and Secure Victory in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Game

Byron Pillay
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:06 PM
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  • Banyana Banyana will take on Tunisia in the quarter-finals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations
  • South Africa beat Botswana to top Group C and finish the group stages by winning all their games
  • Botswana qualified as the third-place team in the group and will meet hosts Morocco in the quarter-finals

Banyana Banyana snatched a late victory over neighbours Botswana in the final group game in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The two Southern African were deadlocked at 0-0 in Rabat before Nthabiseng Ronisha Majiya scored in the 80th minute.

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Banyana Banyana scored a late goal to beat Botswana and book a quarter-final game with Tunisia. Image: @Banyana_Banyana
Source: Twitter

Banyana, who had already qualified for the quarter-final stages, rung the changes for the game and it showed.

While the defence looked resolute, Banyana’s attack didn’t reach the highs of the first two games. South Africa’s best attack in the first half came from a corner, as Janine van Wyk’s header was cleared off the line in the 20th minute.

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Banyana were reduced to long-range shots for most of the half, but none of them really threatened. The second half followed the same trend as the first as both teams lacked any killer instinct.

Melinda Kgadiete had Banyana’s best effort in the early stages of the second half, as her powerfully struck shot forced a diving save from Maitumelo Sedilame Boseja.

With time running out, both sides looked destined to share the spoils. Majiya, who came on for an injured Thembi Kgatlana, broke Botswana’s hearts when she scored from close range.

Some nice build-up play from Banyana saw Mapula Kgoale take a shot in the box which was parried away by Boseja. The ball fell into the path of Majiya who found the back of the net to give Banyana the lead.

Banyana would hang on to claim victory and secure the top spot. They will now meet Tunisia in the quarter-final of the tournament.

Banyana Banyana prepares for a tough battle against Southern African neighbours Botswana in the final group game

Banyana Banyana brings their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations group stage adventure to an end today when they face Botswana.

Banyana have already qualified for the quarter-finals and will be looking to finish the group with three wins out of three.

Banyana beat Nigeria 2-1 in their first game, before dispatching Botswana 3-1. Goals from Thembi Kgatlana, Amogelang Motau and Linda Motlhalo helped Banyana breeze by Burundi.

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis reflects on South Africa's numerous missed chances against Burundi

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis does not believe that her side underestimated Burundi in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations game.

The two sides met in the Group C encounter, a game in which Banyana came out on top.

Banyana only managed to score three goals, but the stats painted a very different picture. South Africa had 28 shots, with 16 of those on target and over 450 passes. They also enjoyed 67% possession.

Authors
Byron Pillay photo
Byron Pillay
Byron Pillay is a sports writer and Head of the Department at Sports Brief (joined in 2022) with over 10 years of experience in community journalism and a degree in journalism from Caxton's Cadet School.
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