Banyana Edge Botswana In Tense WAFCON Warm-up
Banyana Banyana secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Botswana in a friendly match at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
The reigning Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions were fortunate to have scored all three of their goals in the first half, as Botswana’s second-half rally fell short despite tactical adjustments by coach Desiree Ellis that tightened up Banyana’s play.
Coach Ellis, playing without Thembi Kgatlana, fielded an experienced side, featuring key players such as goalkeeper Kaylin Swart, Bambanani Mbane, captain Refiloe Jane, and Jermaine Seoposenwe. It was no surprise when Banyana started with intensity, seizing the initiative by scoring two early goals in the first half.
The opening goal came in the 13th minute when Botswana goalkeeper Bosija Sedilame made a big save, but the rebound fell kindly to Adrielle Mibe, who blasted the ball into the empty net. Banyana’s second followed a long ball from Swart that Botswana’s defense failed to clear. Mohlokoana Kgaelebane cleverly flicked it into the path of Seoposenwe, who expertly lobbed it over the onrushing Sedilame.
Seoposenwe’s second goal resulted from a defensive mishap by Botswana. Their attempt to play out from the back saw Amogelang Motau’s toe deflect the ball perfectly into Seoposenwe’s path, and she calmly slotted it home for the WAFCON champions.
However, Botswana pulled one back with a brilliant goal in the 41st minute. Sedilame’s long punt was not cleared by Banyana’s defense, allowing Radiakanyo Lesego to unleash a stunning half-volley that bounced past a sprawling Swart, who was off her line.
Banyana appeared to drop their tempo, and the rejuvenated Botswana capitalized on this. Phenyoyaone Moloi latched onto a pass and beat Swart, narrowing the deficit to 3-2 for the visitors. This created an uncomfortably tense second half for Ellis’s side, who had been cruising earlier. Nevertheless, with strategic changes to consolidate their defense, Banyana managed to control the game and fend off further threats from Botswana.
Banyana Banyana will now face Zambia on Tuesday, 3 June. These matches are part of Banyana’s preparations for the defense of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, as the countdown continues to the continental tournament set to be hosted in Morocco from 5-26 July.
