By REGINALD KANYANE
Banyana Banyana showed pedigree when they walloped Mozambique 13-0 during the second leg of the African Women’s Cup of Nations qualifier at FNB stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Even though Banyana Banyana displayed enterprising football, their coach, Desiree Ellis believes ‘there is still room for improvement’ for her side despite the victory.
Ellis said: “I don’t think we executed the plan well. I think we played much better in Mozambique than here. Our movement of the ball today was very static and in that way, we ended up playing long balls which did not work for us.
“Again we created a lot of chances but we were not clinical enough in front of goal. The match also saw rising goalkeeper, Regirl Ngobeni get her senior debut. It is always good to give someone a debut.”
Ellis further said it was a good debut for Ngobeni as she got a clean sheet and that can only give her a lot of confidence going forward. She added that Ngobeni can only go forward and build from this cap.
“We were motivated not only by the 7-0 victory that we got in the first leg, but I guess our players were also motivated by the stadium that they played at as well as family members who were in attendance,” said Ellis.
Meanwhile, Banyana Banyana’s goal came as early as the 10th minute through defender Bambanani Mbane who slotted past Mozambique goalkeeper, Eva Jose Costa. Mbane’s goal opened the floodgate as Linda Motlhaloto who played her 50th game for Banyana Banyana banged in a brace.
A maestro player, Hildah Magaia also added her name to the score-sheet with a brace. A rising star, Sibulele Holweni’s 85th minute goal was enough to seal a victory for Banyana Banyana to end a year on a high. The win also brought them a few steps closer to Morocco 2022.
Ellis’ side will get some rest from national team duty after back-to-back camps since the Buhari Cup in September 2021. The team will return to action in February 2022 to prepare for the second round of AWCON qualifiers.
Ellis wished her players well as they returned to their respective clubs and encouraged them to stay fit and work hard especially with the fast approaching festive season.
South Africa ……(3) 6 (Bambanani Mbane 9’, Linda Motlhalo 32’, 65’, Hildah Magaia 40’, 50’, Sibulele Holweni 85’)
Mozambique…..(0) 0
The Guardian 