
Match Report: Classy Banyana edge Zambia in Pretoria
Banyana Banyana showcased class and efficiency in their latest international friendly assignment after bagging a 2-0 win against Zambia at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
The game commenced at a rapid pace at the popular stadium, with both nations revealing their attacking impetus during the first 10 minutes.
While South Africa looked assured during build-up phases, Zambia were dangerous in transition and attempted to hit Banyana on the counter-attack at every opportunity.
Zambia’s physical presence proved to be a problem for Banyana midway through the first-half and often put their opposing numbers under pressure in the middle of the park. Nonetheless, Banyana stuck to their guns by attempting to play their way through Zambia’s ever ready press.
The likes of Diana Banda and Racheal Kundananji were the attackers-in-chief for Zambia throughout the first 45, while Jermaine Seoposenwe often looked to stretch the opposition darting runs toward the 18-yard-area.
Banyana dominated the possession count after the restart but had little to show for their efforts until the hour-mark approached.
South Africa took the lead in stunning fashion in the 74th minute after being awarded a free-kick just off the edge of the Zambia area. As Bongeka Gumede stood over the ball, the Zambia goalkeeper had no answer to the Banyana star’s classy strike from range.
Banyana doubled their advantage moments later as Jermaine Seoposenwe added her name to the scoreboard. After profiting from a failed clearance by Pauline Zulu, Seoposenwe found herself in acres of space en-route to goal as she showed great technique with a well-taken right-footed shot toward the goalkeeper’s left.
Zambia put Banyana under immense pressure during the closing stages of the match however, goals by Gumede and Seoposenwe proved to be enough for South Africa after 90 minutes in Pretoria.
Banyana Banyana: (0) 2 (Gumede 74’, Seoposenwe 83’)
Zambia: (0) 0
Banyana Banyana: Dlamini, Magama, Mbane, Makhubela (Mthandi 72’), Gamede, Motau (Mogolola 87’), Mibe (Sampson 17’), Ramalepe, Dhlamini, Seoposenwe, Motlhalo
Zambia: Musonda, Nachula (Mukoma 86’), Mweemba (Zulu 51’), Maluba, Banda (Chilufya 70’), Chanda, Lungu, Katongo (Wilombe 70’), Mapepa, Mupopo (Chipasula 46’), Kundananji
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