Banyana Banyana were left frustrated as they played to a goalless draw against Angola in their second match in the Cosafa Cup at the Madibaz Stadium in Gqeberha on Friday afternoon.
It was a physical battle for Desiree Ellis’s team, as the spirited and hard-tackling Angolans gave as good as they got, and had a few good chances early on, with Sara Prado going close ten minutes in.
But after weathering the initial storm, and settling down, the South Africans took control of the midfield. Though they will be more than disappointed by how they fared in the final third.
Sibulele Holweni went close with a good effort in the 27th minute, while Noxolo Cesane shot into the side netting in the 33rd minute.
There were a few more half chances, but the score remained goalless when the half-time whistle blew.
Melinda Kgadiete was denied by Angolan goalkeeper Sandrinha Antonio in the 48th minute, and Angola had a chance a minute later but Kaylin Swart saved Ngonguita’s headed attempt.
But much like in the first half, it was a scrappy affair, though Banyana had a penalty call in the 72nd minute, after a handball from Lidia Lubano in the box. Two minutes later Sandrinha saved another Kgadiete chance.
Banyana went close again in the 77th minute, but in a goalmouth flurry an an attempt was cleared off the line, while there was another shout for a penalty for a handball moments later.
After another penalty was turned in the 83nd minute, Gabriela Salgado went close, but her curling shot was just off target.
And while Banyana pushed for the winner, they were unable to get the goal, and would have to settle for the point.
Banyana remain top of Group A with 4 points, Malawi are second with 3 points, Angola are third on 2 points, while Mozambique, who Banyana play in their last game, are fourth with a point.
