Banyana Banyana bounced back in the COSAFA Women's Championship with their first win after thrashing Madagascar 3-1 on Saturday afternoon.
COSAFA Women's Championship
Result: South Africa 3-1 Madagascar
Date: 7 October 2023
Venue: Dobsonville Stadium
Banyana made four changes to the side that lost narrowly against Malawi in a seven-goal thriller, in their opening group game, as they brought in Lonathemba Mhlongo, Unathi Simayile, Ayesha Moosa and Tshegofatso Motlogelwa.
The hosts had a perfect start after Thubelihle Shamase gave them the lead within 13 minutes from the penalty spot after Motlogelwa was brought down in the box.
Madagascar showed intentions to get back into the game, as both sides created chances and had efforts that came off the woodwork.
The island nation eventually equalised just before the interval after Anajrasoa Velomanantsolo found the back of the net with a free header in the box.
Desiree Ellis' ladies had struggled to get into the final third in the early stages of the second stanza, as they could not progress beyond the midfield with their passing game.
Ellis eventually made changes just after the hour-mark, as Samkelisiwe Selana and Chelsea Daniels both came on for Moosa and Motlogelwa.
Selana made an immediate impact off the bench, as he gave Banyana a 2-1 lead with a looping strike over goalkeeper Soanarivo.
Although Madagascar came close to levelling matters with 15 minutes remaining after they were denied by the crossbar, Jade Jones should have given Banyana a two-goal cushion three minutes later after she missed a gaping net with a free header.
However, Selana eventually put the game to bed for the hosts and got her brace with a close-range finish after a cross by Nicole Michael.
Madagascar were spirited in the dying minutes and had a goal that was disallowed for a foul on goalkeeper Katlego Moletsane, as Banyana held on to their first win points in Group A.
Ellis' charges moved up to second in the section, three points behind leaders Malawi after two games while Madagascar were eliminated after losing their first two games.
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