South Africa and Tanzania qualify for COSAFA Women’s Championship semifinals

The Banyana Banyana of South Africa are through to the semifinals at the on-going COSAFA Women’s Championship in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Coach Desiree Ellis’ team stopped Mozambique 3-1 in their last Group A match played this afternoon at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

After starting with a 2-1 win against Malawi and a goalless draw against Angola, the reigning champions needed to return to winning ways and they did just that.

Sibulele Cecilia Holweni netted in each half, while Melinda Kgadiete also got her name on the score sheet for South Africa.

Cidalia Daniel Cuta had leveled matters for Mozambique after 66 minutes, but Holweni and Kgadiete made sure that the Banyana Banyana picked maximum points to come out top of Group A.

“I am happy with the way my players responded and we need to get better and better and close the gaps at the knockout stage. In the semi final you either win or you go home,” said South Africa’s coach Ellis.

The second Group A match played at the Madibaz Stadium saw the She Flames of Malawi stop Angola 2-0. The Angola team put up a spirited fight in the first half, but Malawi netted in the second half with goals coming from Limbikani Chikupira and Madyina Nguluwe.

In earlier Group B matches Tanzania who had already booked a place in the knockout stage made it three straight wins after a 3-0 victory against fellow CECAFA side South Sudan. Stumai Athuman netted a hat-trick.

Zimbabwe also shocked last year’s runners-up Botswana 3-0. Priviledge Mupeti scored at the stroke of halftime, before skipper Emmaculate Msipa and Rudo Neshamba netted the other goals.

On Tuesday Group C will be decided when table leaders Zambia face Uganda Crested Cranes, while Namibia battle Eswatini.

The top teams in each group automatically qualify for the semi final, while the best runners-up from any group will also book a place in the knock-out stage.