End of the road
Malawi women’s national football team are out of the Cosafa Championship after being thrashed 6-0 by Banyana Banyana in a one-sided encounter yesterday at Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Monitored on Kwese’ television, Malawi were outplayed and outclassed by their experienced and better organised opponents.
Ranked 51 in the world by Fifa against Malawi’s 130, Banyana Banyana, who are also the tournament’s defending champions, were no match for Malawi.
They were on target as early as 11th minute. Linda Motlhalo converted from the edge of the box after being set-up by teammate Thembi Kgatlana.
They doubled the lead in the 30th minute through Khanya Xesi, who capitalised on a mistake at the back.
The hosts scored the third straight from the break through Kgaelebane Mohlakoana.
Then Mohlakoana turned into a provider for Xesi who tapped in her cross at close range in the 53rd minute.
Motlhalo then netted two more quickfire goals within two minutes in the 89th and 90th minute to complete a hat-trick.
Malawi twice had a chance to reduce the deficit, but Linda Kasenda was denied by the crossbar while Madyina Nguluwe shot wide with just a goalkeeper to beat.
Coach Maggie Chombo-Sadiki said she was disapponited to be booted out of the competition.
Group A winners South Africa will play Group C winners Uganda in the semi-final.
