Africa Cup Women's Cup Of Nations
Result: Banyana Banyana 2-0 Mali
Date: 27 November 2018
Venue: Cape Coast Stadium
Banyana Banyana have secured their ticket to 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup after defeating Mali in the Africa Women's Cup of Nations semi-final on Tuesday night.
After a bright start, Jermaine Seoposenwe had a chance to give Desiree Ellis' charges the lead in the 15th minute but her strike from distance was saved by Mali goalkeeper Adoudou Konate.
The South Africans had the upper hand after 20 minutes but needed to increase their intensity in the last third.
Thembi Kgatlana made the pressure count as she broke the deadlock for Banyana in the 31st minute with a low strike into the bottom corner, netting her fifth goal of the tournament.
Refiloe Jane came close to making it 2-0 for Banyana moments later after finding space to strike from a rebound but she could not find the target.
Mali, meanwhile, were not posing any danger to Banyana and ultimately the first stanza ended with South Africa leading 1-0.
The Female Eagles were a different side ten minutes into the second stanza, pressurising Ellis' troops high up the pitch.
However, Banyana were regaining control of the match towards the hour-mark although they could not create open chances.
Lebogang Ramalepe eventually doubled the lead for Banyana ten minutes before time with a looping strike from outside the box, 2-0.
South Africa managed to see out the closing stages with ease to qualify for the final, where they will face Nigeria.
As a result of qualifying for the final, Banyana have now qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time in their history.
