South Africa -3 (Gamede 23’; 30’penalty; Marhazi 67’)
Madagascar – 1 (Raveloarisoa 80’ penalty)
25 September 2019 – The South African Women’s U-17 National Team (Bantwana) beat a resilient Malagasy side 3-1 in their last group B match of the 2019 COSAFA U17 Women’s Championships to finish top of the group on Wednesday afternoon, at St. Francios Xavier Stadium.
Madagascar, who have grown in this tournament managed to compact South Africa and not allow them any time and space on the ball, however a brace from player f the match Nelly Gamede and a goal from Oyisa Marhazi ensured that Bantwana came first in their group while Botswana finished second in group B with a 14-1 win over last placed Seychelles.
Bantwana Head Coach had made five changes to her squad to ensure that all the players in the camp got game time and was impressed with some of their display on the day; however she then turned back to her speedy winger Tiyana Carollissen who was brought into the match in the 60th minute in place of defender Mihle Lumko.
Dludlu also brought in Sonika Mzingeli for Jade Leask in the 60th minute in her quest for more attacking play. Shannon Macomo also made her debut for Bantwana when she came on for Philisani Hlela in the heart of defence in the 79th minute.
“Congratulations to the players for the win but I must admit that we did not play our best football today.
We sacrificed our attacking, goal scoring prowess for the sake of giving all the players a run in this tournament. I am happy that we managed to see all the players in a real live game situation, while we managed to give our regulars a break ahead of the semi final match.
I believe it was very important to give all the players a run because at the end of the day such tournaments have been created for us as coaches to develop players;”said Dludlu.
“It has been a very tough and exhausting week and this showed during the match because we could see that the players are tired and their bodies were feeling heavy.
I would also like to congratulate Madagascar on the great performance they displayed today. They were very tight in defensive and their goalkeeper really gave us a hard time. It is great to see teams grow as a tournament progresses and that is exactly what Madagascar has done; they have grown”; concluded Dludlu.
Bantwana will now move their focus to their semi final match clash against Zambia.
This match will be played on Friday, 27 September 2019 at St. Francios Xavier Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 15h00 local time (SA time 13h00).
Botswana will take on winners of group A Uganda in the first semi final on the same day at 12h00 local time.
South African starting XI: Karabo Mohale (GK); Philisani Hlela (Macomo 79’) ; Mihle Lumko (Mzingeli 60); Shakira O’Malley (C); Olivia Hardie; Nelly Gamede; Jade Leask (Carollissen 60’); Jolaine Mouers; Nabeelah Galant; Inathi Makaya; Oyisa Marhazi
South African substitutes: Luyanda Sibiya (GK);Nkateko Nkhuna; Yolanda Nduli; Shannon Macomo; Tiyana Carollissen; Tiffany Kortjie; Sonika Mzingeli; Christy Noble
Unavailable: Jessica Wade