Sunday in Johannesburg, Zambia won their first Hollywoodbets Cosafa Cup after defeating hosts South Africa with a goal from Barbra Banda.
Banda’s goal was scored in extra time after the two teams were unable to find a victor in regulation time despite Zambia’s possession dominance.
This match could have easily been a rematch of the 2019 championship, which Banyana won, if not for the fact that the South Africans fielded their B squad.
Banyana’s first team has been occupied with preparations for the 2023 World Cup, having recently won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon).
Banyana entered this league as the most successful squad with seven victories, although they have not been at their best since placing fourth last season.
However, stand-in coach Simphiwe Dludlu handled the challenge admirably, leading her young team to the finals.
Banyana won two games and drew one in the group stage to set up a semi-final match against Namibia, which they won 1-0.
But this afternoon’s match against Zambia was going to be difficult, considering the strength of the Zambian squad, led by captain Banda.
The 22-year-old forward was a nuisance for Banyana in her return to competitive football after suffering an injury during Wafcon and failing to complete the tournament.
However, Banyana’s defense was able to neutralize Banda’s danger after the visitors made inroads into their final third during the first half.
Banyana was able to gain some possession in the second half, even adding attacker Busisiwe Ndimeni in an attempt to score.
In extra time, Dineo Magagula made many stops to thwart Banda’s danger after neither team was able to score during regulation.
In the end, though, Banda’s skill prevailed as she scored the game-winning goal in the box during extra time.
@Mihlalibaleka