Banyana Banyana missed out on the COSAFA Women's Championship title after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Zambia in the final on Sunday afternoon.
COSAFA Women's Championship Final
Result: South Africa 0-1 Zambia
Date: 11 September 2022
Venue: Isaac Wolfson Stadium
Banyana qualified for the final after defeating Neighbours Namibia 1-0 on Friday afternoon, while the Zambians overcame Tanzania in their last four encounter.
The clash got off to a lively start as Banyana hit the woodwork in the opening minute, as the hosts looked to make their intensions clear early on.
Babra Banda was certainly one to keep an eye on after bagging nine goals heading into the final, but it was Xiomara Mapepa who close to opening the scoring after seeing her strike saved by Dineo Magugula.
Neither nation were able to carve out clear openings in the latter stages of the half, with Banda going closest with an effort from distance just before the break.
After a goalless first half, Banyana made their first substitution ten minutes into the second half as Busiswe Ndimeni replaced Sinazo Ntshota.
Despite the flurry of changes from both sides, clear cut chances were hard to come by in the second half as both goalkeepers enjoyed a quiet 90 minutes.
The deadlock was eventually broken in extra-time when Banda bagged her 10th goal of the tournament after nodding home Margaret Belemu's cross.
The Zambians were able to remain resolute for the rest of extra-time to clinch the victory and the title.
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