Banyana Banyana kicked back into action on Wednesday as they begin to wrap up their final bits of preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in July. South Africa hosted Botswana in an international friendly at the Lucas Moripe Stadium where they prevailed as 3-2 winners in the opener of the Three Nations Series. Playing in their first match since the start of April, Desiree Ellis’ side were looking to build up their match fitness while gaining some momentum in the process.
What unfolded at the Lucas Moripe Stadium
Banyana started brightest, dominating possession and setting the tempo which was rewarded with an early goal. Adrielle Mibe opened the scoring after 13 minutes with her maiden goal for her country. Less than five minutes later, South Africa doubled their lead with usual goal-threat Jermaine Seoposenwe tapping home from close range.
Banyana and Seoposenwe weren’t done there as she put the hosts three-goals to the good on the 36 minute mark, showing her composure in front of goal. Determined to end the first half on a positive note, the visitors pressed on and managed to pull one back through Lesego Radiakanyo in the 41 st minute. Banyana came out a bit more relaxed in the second half due to their 3-1 lead but still managed to dominate possession while dictating the play. That is until Laone Moloi’s 63 rd minute strike created somewhat of a tense finish but the hosts were able to hang on for the victory.
Ellis pleased with win but left “disappointed” by parts of the performance
While the African champions earned a victory that will no doubt boost their confidence as the WAFCON creeps closer, coach Ellis was quick to highlight her side’s obvious room for improvement. South Africa did almost throw away a three-goal lead without adding to their goal tally in the second half. In her post-match interview, Ellis was frank in her analysis of the battle with Botswana,
A little bit of a lapse in concentration. The tempo went down a bit in the second half. In the first half, it was very high.
Ellis referred to a few half-chances she felt her side should have put away but she was also pleased by the returns of Refiloe Jane and Karabo Dlamini after their lengthy injury layoffs.
It’s heartwarming to see them put up performances like that but yes, nonetheless, I think we could have done better – a bit disappointed though.
Preparations continue as Ellis aims to finalize her WAFCON squad
The Banyana coach was able to hand a handful of opportunities to some of the younger members in the squad during her side’s 3-2 win over Botswana. The likes of 18-year-old Mibe took her chance by getting on the scoresheet which is a sign of encouragement for the Banyana coach who’s openly talked about expanding her core group of players in the past. She’ll have another chance to do that in South Africa’s next match in the Three Nations Series on Tuesday, June 3rd . The next match in the friendly series sees Botswana taking on Zambia on Saturday, May 31st , before the African champions battle Zambia next Tuesday.
