Banyana Banyana defended their COSAFA Cup title after they beat Botswana 2-1 at Nelson Mandela Bay stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Banyana Banyana were the defending champions and as expected defended the championship for the fourth successive time. A squad made of only home based players breezed through the group stages finishing top of group A undefeated and without conceding a single goal.
Banyana Banyana showed they mean business when Sibulele Holweni opened the scoring in the opening minute of the game. It was her 8th goal of the tournament and she walked away with the top goal-scorer award.
Gabriela Salgado made it 2-0 to Banyana Banyana in the 65th minute before Botswana pulled one back with five minutes left through Mokgabo Thanda but Desiree Ellis’ girls held on to win their 4th title in a row to make it seven in total.
Coach Ellis says she challenged her young team to work hard and make a mark in the tournament.
“We challenged the players consistently about raising their hands and making their mark in this tournament and I think the analysis by our analyst was spot throughout this tournament. We were in control of the game from the start and got an early goal though we got a bit sloppy later on and allowed them back in the game.
“This is a young team, they will learn and grow. When the final whistle went, we were just proud of this group of players,’’ Ellis said.
Written by: Diski Voice
