Banyana held in their bid for Olympic qualification

The South African women’s football team, Banyana Banyana, played to a goalless draw against Botswana on Saturday night at the National Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana.

The match was a first leg 2020 Olympic qualifier encounter.

Banyana Banyana failed to convert any of their chances in what was rather a tough and rough match. Botswana parked the bus and had impressive saves from goalkeeper Sedilame Mogotsi.

Visitors frustrated in Botswana

SA coach Desiree Ellis and her players went into the game with the will to win. However; it was not to be as Mogotsi kept Botswana in the match.

Busisiwe Ndimeni was brought into the match in the 39th minute after Robyn Moodaly was injured and had to be substituted after a nasty knock on her ankle.

The second half saw teenager Noxolo Cesane come on for Rhoda Mulaudzi in the 73rd minute when Banyana Banyana tried hard to get the away goal.

Advantage on Banyana’s side ahead of second leg

Bostwana parked the bus throughout the match and had one great chance from Lesego Radiakanyo to clinch the game. However; Andile Dlamini made the all-important save to ensure that the first leg ended in a goalless draw.

“It was a battle out there”, said Ellis. “

We knew that Botswana would come at us with the counter-attack.

“The pitch did not suit the way we wanted to play.

“The big factor that we will take from here is that we did not concede and that is very important in such matches.”

Desiree Ellis

Banyana Banayan will travel back to Johannesburg on Saturday morning to continue preparations for the return leg against Botswana on Tuesday, at Orlando Stadium.