Banyana Banyana defeated Algeria 2-0 in the final round first leg African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifier at Orlando stadium on Friday afternoon.
Desiree Ellis’s starting line-up showed intention to win. She made several changes to the starting XI from the side that lost to Zambia in a friendly last week, with Europe-based players having joined the squad this week.
Lebogang Ramalepe, Noko Matlou, Refiloe Jane, Thembi Kgatlana and Linda Mothalo all started the game while Janine Van Wyk, Gabriela Salgado and Melinda Kgadiete dropped to the bench.
The Algerians started stronger of the two sides getting a clear cut chance in the sixth minute where Imene Merrouche missed the ball with only the keeper to beat.
South Africa had chances through Lebo Ramalepe, Jane, Kgatlana and Magaia though not strong enough.
However in the 40th minute the hosts won a corner which Kholosa Biyana delivered to Magaia’s head and she did not make a mistake giving Banyana a 1-0 lead at half time.Â
Banyana started a second half stronger coming close to extending the lead. Karabo Dlamini short from a distance however was denied by the cross bar.
Substitute Nomvula Kgoale also had a clear chance to make it 2-0 and shot wide but Kgatlana finally found Banyana’s second goal of the game, converting a cross from close range in the 90th minute.
Definitely the score could have been higher for Ellis’ charges, however, South Africa take the 2-0 lead into the second leg to be played in Algeria next week Wednesday.
The winner of this tie will go the continental finals in Morocco.Â
