Banyana Banyana celebrate scoring a goal against Burundi at WAFCON. Photo: @Banyana_Banyana/Twitter
Banyana Banyana through to WAFCON quarterfinals with win over Burundi
Banyana Banyana are through to the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following their 3-1 win over Burundi.
Banyana Banyana celebrate scoring a goal against Burundi at WAFCON. Photo: @Banyana_Banyana/Twitter
Banyana Banyana are through to the quarter-finals of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following their 3-1 win over Burundi on Thursday.
READ | MAMELODI SUNDOWNS LADIES TEAM NOMINATED FOR CAF CLUB OF THE YEAR AWARD
Thembi Kgatlana, Amogelang Motau and Linda Motlhalo were all on the scoresheet for Banyana Banyana while Aniella Awimana netted for Burundi.
As a result, Banyana Banyana booked their place in the Last 8 as they are already sitting on six points from the two games they have already played.
READ | MAMELODI SUNDOWNS QUARTET SHORTLISTED FOR CAF INTERCLUB PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis made four changes to the team that stunned the Super Falcons of Nigeria on Monday in an attempt to introduce fresh legs.
And those changes didn’t impact the way Banyana Banyana play as they took the game to Burundi from the word go.
READ | BENNI MCCARTHY CONGRATULATES GAVIN HUNT, LAUDS SUPERSPORT UNITED
Kgatlana would open the scoring for Banyana Banyana in the 20th minute but Burundi hit back through Awimana 12 minutes later.
Banyana Banyana then recovered from that setback as Motau restored their lead in the 32nd minute, much to the delight of Ellis and her technical team.
READ | AXED KAIZER CHIEFS ‘KEEPER AKPEYI HINTS AT NEXT DESTINATION?
The South Africans had an opportunity to extend their lead on the stroke of half after being awarded a penalty but Jermaine Seoposenwe was denied by goalkeeper Irakoze.
Nonetheless, Banyana Banyana would get that third goal early in the second half after Kgatlana was brought down inside the Burundi box and the referee pointed to the spot.
READ | SUPERSPORT UNITED ANNOUNCE GAVIN HUNT AS NEW COACH
Motlhalo then stepped up and coolly fired past the Irakoze to make it 3-1 to Banyana Banyana, and that proved the last goal of the game.
A special mention goes to Burundi goalkeeper Irakoze for her performance on the night as Banyana Banyana could have easily won the game by more than five goals.
READ | SUNDOWNS LOAN ‘KEEPER TO SUPERSPORT UNITED, WILLIAMS DEAL CLOSE?
