Banyana Banyana qualified for the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a game to spare after defeating Burundi 3-1 on Thursday evening.
Women's Africa Cup of Nations
Result: South Africa 3-1 Burundi
Date: 07 July 2022
Venue: Stade Prince Moulay EL Hassan
After the impressive win over Nigeria on Monday, coach Desiree Ellis handed starts to Robyn Moodlay and Bongeka Gamede in place of Linda Motlhalo and Bambanani Mbane.
The South Africans dominated in the early stages, with Thembi Kgatlana and Jermaine Seoposenwe going close with shots in the opening 15 minutes.
Five minutes later, Kgatlana was not to be denied as the newly signed Racing Louisville forward exchanged passes with Seoposenwe before calmly slotting into the far corner.
Burundi, however, got the equaliser against the run play as captain Asha Djafari did well to skip past one challenge before setting up Aniella Uwimana for the close range on 30 minutes.
The lead did not last too long as Banyana restored their lead two minutes later, with Amogelang Motau getting her first international goal with a neat finish after a scramble in the box.
The South Africans had a few more chances to extend their lead before the break, including one from the penalty spot but Seoposenwe saw her spot-kick saved by Burundi goalkeeper Jeanine Irakoze.
Irakoze then went from hero to villain seven minutes after the break by fouling Kgatlana in the box, resulting in a second penalty for Banyana. Motlhalo, who came on for Moodaly, took responsibility and slotted home the spot-kick to make it 3-1.
Burundi's evening worsened with 20 minutes left on the clock when defender Annociate Nshimirimana was shown a straight red card following a VAR check for bringing down Jermaine Seoposenwe, who was through on goal.
Ellis' troops managed the game quite well in the closing stages to see out the win and qualify for the quarter-finals.
