2 March 2018 – Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana defeated Hungary 1-0 in the 2018 Cyprus Women’s Cup.

The clash took place on Friday, 2 March 2018 at the Tasos Markos Stadium in Paralimni, Cyprus.

The win took Banyana Banyana to four points after two rounds of matches.

Head coach Desiree Ellis made five changes to the team that drew 0-0 against Slovakia in the opening match, and the move paid dividends.

Banyana Banyana looked fresh and had free flowing movements.

Roxanne Barker came in for Andile Dlamini in goals, while Rachel Sebati, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana, Melinda Kgadiete and Sduduzo Dlamini replaced Linda Motlhalo, Leandra Smeda, Jermaine Seoposenwe and Chantelle Esau.

Mohlakoana made Banyana Banyana’s intention very clear early in the first half when she sent in a fierce shot but it went wide of Hungary’s goals.

Lebohang Ramalepe was the next to test the opposition goalkeeper but her shot was saved.

Hungary also fired a veracious shot at Barker but found her alert.

However, there was no denying Thembi Kgatlana in the 21st minute.

She was set free with a delightful pass, left her marker for dead and slotted the ball past the advancing Biro Barbara in the Hungary goals to give Banyana Banyana a 1-0 lead at the break.

South Africa suffered a setback when Dlamini was stretchered off after she was fouled in the 51st minute and Esau replaced her.

Sensing defeat, the Europeans sent everyone into attack. They were almost rewarded when their strike hit the cross bar, and the ball was cleared, helping Banyana Banyana survive.

South Africa made another forced substitution when Kgatlana had to leave the field injured and Smeda took her place.

The game moved from end to end, with both teams attacking each but no real chances created.

In the end, South Africa got their first three points of the tournament – to leave them second in the group with four points.

In the other clash played earlier in the day, Korea DPR defeated Slovakia 1-0 to take control of Group C. The Asians are now on six points after two rounds of matches.

Banyana Banyana’s third and final group stage match will against Korea DPR on Monday, 5 March.

Kickoff is at 13h00.

Hungary will face Slovakia in the later kickoff at 18h00.

This his how they lined up:

South Africa

Roxanne Barker (GK), Lebohang Ramalepe, Nothando Vilakazi, Bambanani Mbane, Janine van Wyk (c), Rachel Sebati, Refiloe Jane, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana (Jermaine Seoposenwe), Thembi Kgatlana (Leandra Smeda), Melinda Kgadiete, Sduduzo Dlamini (Chantelle Esau)

Subs:

Andile Dlamini (GK), Kaylin Swart (GK), Noko Matlou, Zanele Nhlapho, Regina Mogolola, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Linda Motlhalo, Leandra Smeda, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Chantelle Esau

Coach: Desiree Ellis

 

Hungary:

Bíró Barbara (GK), Csiszár Henrietta, Csiki Anna, Németh Loretta, Szabó Viktória, Vágó Fanni, Papp Dóra, Jakabfi Zsanett, Mosdóczi Evelin, Tálosi Szabina, Turányi Lilla

Subs:

Szeitl Szilvia, Horti Boglárka, Csányi Diána , Fenyvesi Evelin, Magyarics Zoé, Nagy Ágnes, Rácz Zsófia, Kocsán Petra, Zágor Bernadett, Szőcs Réka (GK), Samu Anna (GK), Pinczi Anita, Tóth Alexandra,

Coach: Marko Edina