African champions Banyana Banyana won the Three Nations Series after beating Zambia 2-0 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
It took two late goals from Bongeka Gamede and Jermaine Seoposenwe to decide a tight game from a very physical Zambian side.
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Coach Dr Desiree Ellis made five changes to the side that defeated Botswana 3-2 in the first match of the series last week due to flu that has hit her camp. Andile Dlamini replaced Kaylin Swart, Lebogang Ramalepe who was on the bench last week started as captain with Refiloe Jane out of the match-day squad. Gamede, Linda Motlhalo and Tiisetso Makhubela were the other changes in the team.
The opening minutes saw Zambia start strong in attack with the combination of Barbara Banda and Rachel Kundananji proving to be handful however wasteful in front of goal.
Banda could have opened the scoring inside 10 minutes, but her shot got deflected and towards the end of the first half Bay FC striker missed the target with her header from a corner.
The hosts had some chances but none really on target with Seoposenwe working harder in getting the balls in box but disappointed with her teammates not finishing. On two occasions Seoposenwe found Amogelang Motau in the box, but the former UWC captain was late to the ball while the other opportunity missed the target.
The start of the second half saw the Copper Queens bring on teen sensation Mercy Chipasula for Mupopa while South Africa was unchanged.
With 15 minutes left on the clock, Banyana won a set-piece outside the box after Ramalepe was fouled. Gamede stepped up and scored a stunner to give South Africa the lead, which was followed by Seoposenwe sealing the victory after capitalising on poor defence in the 82nd minute.
This means Banyana win the series as they finished with six points as the three nations prepare for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) hosted in Morocco in July.
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