Staff Reporter.
Banyana Banyana got their campaign in the regional tournament to a winning start after they beat Namibia 1-0 at a chilly Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha, on Tuesday evening.
After creating numerous chances but failing to make them count, coach Maud Khumalo’s charges finally found the breakthrough when a late goal from Tshegofatso Motlogelwa settled the match five minutes from time. It was a tough and scrappy game at times with Namibia dominating the opening half, but the Sasol-sponsored South Africans also standing their ground during the contest.
The two sides went into the halftime break still deadlocked and COSAFA Banyana Banyana returned with a bit more spring in their step in the second period.
The two teams continued to battle gamely, and it took Motlogelwa’s decisive late strike to finally settle matters and secure the win for Khumalo’s side.
Khumalo was happy that her players walked away with all the spoils in their opening match of the tournament.South Africa’s Isabella Alexa Luwig walked away with the player of the match award.
Eswatini top Group A with three points, followed by Banyana Banyana in second on goal-difference.
Day two will see Group B get under way with Madagascar and Mauritius opening proceedings at 12pm CAT and defending champions Malawi taking on Botswana in the second match of the day at 3pm CAT.
Meanwhile, due to water damage caused by recent heavy rains in Nelson Mandela Bay, there has been a change of venues for matches in the coming days.
Plans to move to the Gelvandale Stadium from Wednesday have been shelved due to extensive water damage.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is unavailable having been pre-booked for other events.
Instead, the matches will be played as follows:
Fixtures from 23-25 October will now take place at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium.
Fixtures from 26-29 October will take place at the Madibaz Stadium at the Nelson Mandela University.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will be used as an alternate venue for the simultaneous kick-offs in Group A and Group B on 28 October.
The semifinals (31 October) and final (2 November) will be played at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium as planned.
Entrance for fans to all matches will be free of charge, with tickets available at the stadium on match day.