22 October 2017 – Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana continued where they left off from the COSAFA Cup tournament when they outclassed and out-gunned Burkina Faso 4-0 in a one-sided friendly match played at the Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday afternoon (22 October).
So relentless was the home side that had they utilised all their goal-scoring chances, this encounter could have seen a score of double figures.
But coach Desiree Ellis will be happy with the two goals scored in each half as the home team romped to an easy 4-0 win.
Playing their first game after winning the COSAFA Cup last month, Banyana Banyana, who were honoured by sponsors Sasol and SAFA on Saturday night, were the busier of the two from the word go and could have wrapped up the match by half-time.
They had their first attempt in the fifth minute when Thembi Kgatlana came face to face with the Burkinabe keeper but failed to put away an open chance.
Chantelle Esau could have scored with a header on the 9th minute but her goal-bound effort was cleared off the line.
The home side almost opened their account in the 20th minute but Leandra Smeda’s effort was ruled offside – television replays showed it was a wrong call from the match officials.
The Desiree Ellis-led side was not going to be denied for long though as they scored the opening goal in the 33rd minute after sustainable pressure which saw defender Charlotte turning the ball into her own net.
Banyana Banyana made it 2-0 when Kgatlana finished off another move with a glancing header in referee’s optional time just before the half-time break.
After the recess, South Africa continued to camp into the visitors’ half but poor finishing and some good goalkeeping by the Burkina goal minder kept the scoreline within respectable figures.
After missing several chances, Banyana Banyana finally took a 3-goal lead when Kgatlana finished off a header by Smeda and a minute later it was 4-0.
Again, Kgatlana’s effort eluded the Burkina Faso goalkeeper and her defence, as the visitors started to crack under immense pressure.
Rhoda Mulaudzi then scored a screamer on the 77th minute but her effort was ruled off side – the match ended with that heavy scoreline.
Kgatlana was chosen as the Diski Queen of the Match (Player of the Match) and claimed the ten-thousand rand for her efforts.
In seven matches in 2017, South Africa has won five – they drew against Botswana (COSAFA CUP), and lost to France earlier this year.