Banyana Banyana showcased resilience and determination, defeating Zimbabwe 4-2 on penalties after a gripping 1-1 draw in regulation time during the COSAFA Women’s Championship on Friday.
After the dramatic semi-final encounter at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Desiree Ellis, the coach of the South African squad, expressed pride in her team’s performance. “After the Lesotho match in the group stages, we said we wanted a big improvement, and I thought today was a big step up from that match.
“We knew it was going to be physical; we knew they were going to come at us, but I think after conceding that goal so early, we settled down a bit. The whole team really stood up; they fought for each other today. We needed that type of performance.”
The South Africans now look forward to a final against Namibia this Sunday at the same venue, following Namibia’s surprising 1-0 victory over defending champions Zambia in the earlier semi-final.
In a significant tactical shift, Ellis made nine changes to the squad that recently triumphed over Lesotho, setting the stage for an intense clash against Zimbabwe. However, the visitors struck first, with Ethel Chinyerere securing an impressive long-range goal just 10 minutes into the match, sending shockwaves through the home crowd.
But the resilient Banyana Banyana refused to buckle under pressure. Nthabiseng Majiya equalised six minutes before half-time, converting a brilliant assist from goalkeeper Casey Gordon to mark a turning point.
The second half saw both teams create opportunities but ultimately fail to convert, resulting in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. In the shootout, Chinyerere and Bethel Kondo found the back of the net for Zimbabwe. At the same time, Magirl Sipini had her shot thwarted by Gordon, and Nokukhanya Ndlovu’s effort rattled the upright.
South Africa’s Majiya, Bonolo Mokoma, Khutso Pila, and Zoe October displayed commendable poise, successfully converting their penalties to secure Banyana Banyana’s place in the final. Ellis voiced her enthusiasm for her team’s composure, especially given the squad’s youthful makeup.
“When it came to the penalties, most of the more junior players raised their hands to want to take the penalty, and we only trained for one day, but they were so confident,” she remarked. “The way they took their penalties, I think we can be really proud of them. The country can be really proud of them because this is not just about preparing for the WAFCON, but it’s also about looking long-term.”
As South Africa prepare for the final, the prospect of facing Namibia — whom they previously defeated 3-1 in the 2006 final — adds excitement to an already electrifying tournament.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will face Zambia in the third-place play-off at 12pm on Sunday.
