South Africa ……(3) 6 (Bambanani Mbane 9’, Linda Motlhalo 32’, 65’, Hildah Magaia 40’, 50’, Sibulele Holweni 85’)

Mozambique…..(0) 0

26 October 2021 – The South African national women’s team was unstoppable as they thumped Mozambique in the second leg of the African Women’s Cup of Nations qualifier at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday afternoon to finish with an aggregate of 13-0.

Motivated not only by the 7-0 victory that they got in the first leg, Banyana Banyana were also motivated by the stadium that they played at as well as family members who were in attendance.

Banyana’s goal came as early as the 10th minute through defender Bambanani Mbane who slotted past Mozambique goalkeeper Eva Jose Costa and it was the beginning of a goal party with Linda Motlhaloto banging a brace on her 50th appearance. Hildah Magaia also added her name to the score sheet with a brace.

Rising star Sibulele Holweni’s 85th minute goal was enough to seal a victory for Banyana Banyana to end the year on a high and a step closer to Morocco 2022.

Coach Desiree Ellis believes there is still room for improvement for her side despite the victory.

“I don’t think we executed the plan well, I think we played much better in Mozambique. Our movement of the ball today was very static and in that way we ended up playing long balls which does not work for us.” Said Ellis.

“Again we created a lot of chances but we were not clinical in front of goal.”

The match also saw rising goalkeeper Regirl Ngobeni get her senior debut and the coach believes the player can only go forward and build from this cap.

“It is always good to give someone a debut. It was a good debut to get a clean sheet and that can only give her a lot of confidence going forward and now she needs to keep on working.” Added Ellis.

Banyana Banyana will get some rest from national team duty after back to back camps since the Buhari Cup early September. The team will return to action in February to prepare for the second round of AWCON qualifiers.

Coach Desiree Ellis has wished the players well as they return to their respective clubs and encouraged fitness and hard work especially with the fast approaching festive season.