8 August 2019 – Two first half goals gave Tanzania a win over South Africa in the semi finals of the first ever COSAFA U20 Championships, on Thursday, 8 August at Gelvandale Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
Tanzania, who kicked the match off against the wind, shocked Basetsana from the first minute of the match when they managed to get past the South African defence and almost got the opener in the first few minutes.
Goalkeeper Kaydee Windvogel had her first major challenge of the tournament when Tanzanian captain Enekia Luntamila took a powerful shot that opened the scoring in the 18th minute.
Basetsana had to quickly find their feet and almost equalized when Refilwe Maseko was one-on one with the goalkeeper but failed to convert the chance.
Opa Sanga netted in the winning goal for Tanzania in the 29th minute of the match. South Africa tried their level best to get on the score board but all their chances were either too soft or too wide at goal.
Tournament Head Coach Simphiwe Dludlu believes that they are still on track with their plan although they lost today they are still in the tournament and have an opportunity to walk away with a medal.
“We planned to play five games in this tournament and we are still on track with that plan. Although we lost today we managed to stick to our game plan and I want the girls to understand that losing is part of the game.
It hurts to lose such a big match but we will walk away knowing that we held our own against a more physical and mature side today. We are happy that we learnt a few things here today and believe we can grow from this experience;”said Dludlu.
South Africa will now face Zimbabwe in the 3rd/4th place playoff on Saturday 10 August 2019 at Wolfson Stadium.
Kickoff is scheduled for 11h00, while Tanzania will meet Zambia in the COSAFA U20 Championships final on Sunday, 11 August 2019.
Basetsana starting XI: Kaydee Windvogel(GK)(C); Fikile Magama; Siyamthanda Mbatha ; Lonathemba Mhlongo; Jessica Wade; Oratile Mokwena; Serenity Warner
(Ember Edwards 66’); Zethembiso Vilakazi; Refilwe Maseko (Tshegofatso Motologelwa 41’); Miche Minnies; Shakeerah Jacobs
Basetsana subs: Robyn Coetzee (GK); SiphesihleDlamini (GK); Ayanda Ncube; Sarah Walker; Phumla Simelane; Tshegofatso Motlogelwa; Amber Edwards
Not available:Lebogang Ntabeni; Tyler- Bree Joss