Banyana Banyana and Zimbabwe played to a disappointing goalless draw in their opening match of the 2016 CAF African Women’s Cup of Nations, Group A clash on Saturday night in Yaounde, Cameroon.
The result put the Shadreck Mlauzi coached side well on course to qualify for the semi-finals of the eight team tournament.
With the draw, Zimbabwe are tied on second position with South Africa in the group led by hosts Cameroon who beat Egypt 2-0 in an earlier match.
The top two teams in the group qualify for the semifinals.
Mighty Warriors’ next match is against a beatable Egypt side on Tuesday, knowing victory in this game could be enough to send them through to the next stage.
Striker Rutendo Makore, who had really a good game playing as the team’s point woman, and Felistas Muzongondi, had glorious chances in the first half which they should have put away.
But for a team that barely prepared for this tournament, fatigue caught up with them in the second half as South Africa attacked relentlessly.
However, Zimbabwe’s defense stood resolutely to garner a valuable point which could prove priceless as the group matches progresses.
Banyana had numerous chances to take the lead as Kgatlana and Motlhalo combined excellently in the first half; however none of their efforts came to fruition.
Kgatlana who scored her first brace just last week against the Mighty Warriors in a friendly match in Harare, was denied countless chances.
Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini put up a great display in the match and made countless crucial saves to keep South Africa in the game.
Desiree Ellis brought in Jermanie Seoposenwe earlier in the second half to try and inspire the flow of the match.
Her presence was quickly felt but the goals failed to come. Andiswe Mgcoyi was brought in for Nompumelelo Nyandeni in the 74th minute to try and use her height to the advantage of Banyana Banyana but this too did not bring any luck to the team.
“All we can do is keep working. We tried our best but the goals just didn’t come our way. We could have played another 20 minutes and still not managed to get the ball in the back of the net,” said Ellis.
Banyana will face Cameroon in their second match of group A on Tuesday, 22 November 2016 at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaounde.
Kick-off is scheduled for 16h00 local time (SA time 17h00).
TEAMS
South Africa: Andile Dlamini, Leandra Smeda, Janine Van Wyk (c), Bambanani Mbane, Nothando Vilakazi, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Mamello Makhabane, Refiloe Jane, Thembi Kgatlana, Linda Motlhalo, Shiwe Nogwanya
Subs: Yolula Tsawe, Astria Boks, Noko Matlou, Lebogang Mabatle, Nomathemba Ntsibande, Amogelang Motau, Andisiwe Mgcoyi, Jermanie Seoposenwe, Silindile Ngubane;
Zimbabwe: Chido Dzingirai, Shiela Makoto, Nobuhle Majika, Emmaculate Msipa, Felistas Muzongondi, Nobukhosi Ncube, Talent Mandaza (c), Marjory Nyaumwe, Rutendo Makore, Kudakwashe Basopo, Danai Bhobho
Subs: Lindiwe Magwede, Eunice Chibanda, Sifundile Moyo, Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri, Patience Mujuru, Mavis Chirandu, Berita Kabwe, Maudy Mafuruse, Manyara Mandara.
Source: SAFA Media/NewsDay
