dyton mupawaenda
Tadious Manyepo in BLANTYRE, Malawi
UWC……………………………………………………..(0)2
Herentals Queens……………………………………(0)1
HERENTALS QUEENS secured a place in the semi-finals of the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifiers despite losing their last group match here yesterday.
The Students needed to avoid defeat against South Africa’s University of Western Cape to be able to top the pool.
By the time this tie started, Herentals Queens had already booked their place in the last four after FC Ongos of Namibia had pegged back Green Buffaloes of Zambia 2-1 in the other group game played earlier.
With that in mind, they were perhaps complacent and lackadaisical in their approach.
That allowed the South Africans, themselves needing a draw to ensure progress to the semis, to effectively implement their game plan.
Despite failing to bring their A-Game on, Herentals Queens still fashioned out the best chances in the opening half although they failed to put them away. In the end, Noxolo Cisane and Bongeka Gamede’s second-half strikes downed the Zimbabweans who found their consolation through the impressive Alice Moyo.
Playing second fiddle to their opponents especially in the midfield where Nyasha Munemo wasn’t at her usual best, Herentals Queens did most of the defending in the first half but were still able to create the best chances.
Striker Praynence Zvawanda is struggling with her game and yesterday she once again failed to punish the South Africans when benefitting from a howler by their defender but she still hit the ball against Siphesihle Dlamini in their goals in a one on one sulituation 17 minutes into the game.
Earlier Maudy Mafuruse’s speculative freekick had been punched away by Dlamini.
For moments, UWC looked content with a draw as they tried to chew up some minutes until the break. Then just a minute after the breather, Cesane capitalised on sloppy marking to thrust her team ahead.
They then started dominating proceedings and 15 minutes later Gamede, loitering unattended in the box was at hand to bundle home their second as Herentals Queens battled to clear a corner.
But “Vagoni Vebasa” never looked like surrendering. Coach Lazarus Magaya made some key changes with Melody Chikore and Sikulikile Nyoni adding some fresh impetus into the overall play.
Soon, they took the game to their opponents and with nine minutes to play, Moyo made a round turn and hit a volley into the roof net.
Suddenly, the scales tilted in Herentals Queens’ favour. Zvawanda even had another one versus one chance but failed to beat ‘keeper Dlamini for the second time.
Chikore tried a left-footed volley that went wide. Magaya said complacency crept into his girls once they knew they had qualified.
“I think the girls were complacent going into the match after the confirmation that we had already booked a place in the semis,” said Magaya.
“We also lost concentration in key phases of play. We had our chances but then we failed to utilise them.
“Our opponents got easy goals because we were not paying enough attention but still kudos to my girls for their fighting spirit.
“Our focus now is to rectify the errors and be in good shape for the semi-finals.”
The semi-finals will be played on Thursday with the opponents from Group B to be determined today.
Teams
University of Western Cape
Siphesihle Dlamini, Baba Mhlakaza, Noxolo Cesane (Zikhona Nogqala 68min), Fikile Magama, Nondumiso Manengela, Bongeka Gamede, Philisa Mjambane (Ronnel Donnelly 68min), Amogelang Motau, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Antonia Maponya, Sibulele Holweni
Herentals Queens
Lindiwe Magwede, Bridget Mutaurwa, Alice Moyo, Egness Tumbare, Talent Mukwanda,Yeukai Chipatiko (Millanda Chimbwanda 68min), Shyline Dambamuromo Sikulekile Nyoni 68min), Nyasha Munemo (Melody Chikore 46min),Praynence Zvawanda (Melanda Rungu 86min), Maudy Mafuruse, Polite Mabika
Online Reporter