Sheryl Botes’ Bantwana are on the verge of making history.

Bantwana are now firm favourites to qualify for the Under/17 women’s World Cup after holding Zambia to a 3-3 draw at Nkoloma Stadium, Lusaka on Sunday in the first leg of the final qualifying round.

Bantwana’s goals were scored by Gabriella Salgado who netted a brace and Anelisa Ndyebi.

It was a see-saw battle which saw the lead swing between the two sides.

Zambia took the lead in the 15

th minute but Bantwana equalised almost immediately. The Zambians again went in front in the 27

th minute but the resolute Bantwana scored two quick goals to go to half-time leading 3-2.

However, the pendulum swung again as the hosts forced a draw through the only strike of the second half for a final 3-3 scoreline.

Head of delegation and SAFA NEC member, Ria Ledwaba said she was happy with the outcome.

“Coming away with a draw from Zambia who crushed Botswana recently is a commendable achievement. We gave the girls a motivational talk telling them to make history for themselves, their families and the country – and they did exactly that,” said Ledwaba.

“We should be in a position to finish off the job when Zambia comes here in a fortnight’s time. It will be nice if the girls do qualify for the World Cup. They have worked hard for this and I am proud of them,” added Ledwaba.-TDN

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