Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
South Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
Zimbabwe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
(South Africa won 4-2 on penalties)
IT seems Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors will have to wait a little longer before they can end their jinx of failing to beat South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, spanning 15 years now.
Yet in yesterday’s HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship semi-final showdown at the New Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane, the script seemed destined to change following a blistering start by Zimbabwe.
In a thriller that attracted a lot of attention including many who followed the match on television, yesterday, Zimbabwe started off on the front foot with pace that left Banyana Banyana settling for second balls.
With speed and precision, the Mighty Warriors were the first to test South African goalkeeper Casey Gordon in the eighth minute before Ethel Chinyerere buried one in 11 minutes off a fine assist from Privilege Mupeti.
It was not long when South Africa settled into the game, using wing play to attack but goalminder Cynthia Shonga was alert to keep them at bay.
However, in the 38th minute Gordon came with a reply when she hit a long goal kick which settled straight at Striker Nthabiseng Majiya’s feet before she breached Shonga from inside the box.
Despite falling from the title race, the Mighty Warriors were the only side in the tournament to hold two CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, bound sides in open play.
Before yesterday’s draw with Banyana Banyana, the Mighty Warriors had also featured in a 0-0 stalemate with another WAFCON-bound side – Zambia.
Interestingly, Zimbabwe and Zambia will now clash for the bronze medal, the second-time in seven days that the two teams are meeting.
In yesterday’s match, the tussle continued from both ends with the two sides introducing changes as they battled for possession, creating chances yet failing to convert.
Mighty Warriors coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15’’ Sibanda was impressed with her side’s fight despite falling off the top race.
“I am impressed with the way they played in the entire 90 minutes; they refused to bow down and unfortunately with penalties you cannot predict,” she said.
“We came in with senior experienced players who set the tone for the game and gave us the goal although we could have gotten even more because we created a lot of chances.
“We knew it was going to be a very tough one, it was a 50-50 affair with action from one end to another . . . hard luck to my girls but they put up a good show,’’ she said.
While Zimbabwe and Zambia square off in the third-place play off, in the earlier match tomorrow, hosts South Africa have a chance to reclaim the COSAFA title when they face Namibia in the final in a later game at the same venue.
The Mighty Warriors will be hoping to fight for a podium finish in the tournament.
“It’s not every day that our girls get to play at such a big stage and I know that each time they get the chance they always give it their all,” added Sibanda.
“We will treat the placement game like a cup final, we still have a lot to fight for so there is no time to relax.
“Above everything, I am happy that the girls had the grit to hold the two WAFCON-bound teams that we played with . . . it shows that with enough exposure, they have what it takes to be as competitive on a big stage.”
South Africa, Zambia and Malawi will be playing at the WAFCON in Morocco next month with the teams using the COSAFA Cup tourney as a preparatory platform.
