South Africa are in the final of the COSAFA Women’s Championship for the first time since 2022 after defeating Mozambique 4-1 on penalties in the semi-final after the game ended 1-1 in regulation time at Wolfson Stadium on Thursday.
The hosts started the game shaky allowing their opponents in their half with Cidalia Cuta getting the first attempt at goal as early as the fifth minute. Five minutes later they gave away a set-piece after fouling Cuta but Mozambique couldn’t capitalise from just outside the box kicking straight into Jessica Williams’ hands.
Kesha Hendricks then had an opportunity to break the deadlock soon after but missed the target. In the 22nd minute it was Cuta versus Williams in the South African box with the Banyana keeper winning the contest.
Three minutes later Banyana launched a counter attack leaving captain Thalea Smidt in a good scoring position but she shot wide. Three minutes after the half hour mark Celia Miguel opened the scoring after capitalising on poor communication between Williams and her defense.
Banyana got the equaliser at the stroke of half time after Shannon Macomo was brought down in the box. VAR was consulted for the decision. Tshegofatso Motlogelwa stepped up and converted to level for Banyana at the break.
There were no changes for both sides at the start of the second half. South Africa continued where they left off and won a free-kick. Smidt struck it over the bar. Motlogelwa could have scored Banyana’s second with a shot from the right but the Mozambican keeper denied her.
Banyana gave away yet another set-piece in a dangerous area in the 63rd minute when Ntando Phala brought down Cuta. Aurora Ngale stepped up and her tame shot was easily saved by Williams. Banyana found the back on the net with 20 minutes on the clock but the goal was flagged offside leaving the game to 1-1 and be decided via the spot kicks, where Banyana’s players kept their cool, while Mozambique missed to spot-kicks.
