African champions South Africa’s Banyana Banyana survived Scorchers’ scare yesterday when they came from a goal down to win 2-1 in their second friendly match at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.
Despite the loss, it was by far an improved performance by the Malawi Women’s National Football Team compared to their first friendly in which they went down 3-0 on Saturday.
during the first friendly. | Courtesy of SAFA
Yesterday, the Scorchers looked poised to stun their hosts until late into the game when they lost the plot to concede twice in quick succession following defensive errors.
Coach Lovemore Fazilli made two changes to the team that started on Saturday, throwing in Tendai Sani and Asimenye Simwaka for Chisomo Banda and Maureen Kenneth.
The first half ended goalless, but the Scorchers were on the back-foot for the better part as South Africa enjoyed 67 percent of possession against 33.
The Scorchers broke the deadlock in the 58th minute through Kazakhstan-based striker Vanessa Chikupira, who headed home Ireen Khumalo’s well-taken corner-kick.
The corner-kick came after winger Asimenye Simwaka ran from close to the half-way line to shoot at goal before back-peddling South Africa goalkeeper who made a slight touch for the ball to go wide.
From then on, the Scorchers took their foot off the gas pedal in what appeared like delaying tactics, but it proved to be too early.
Sensing danger, the hosts started gaining momentum, forcing the Scorchers into rearguard action.
Their efforts paid off in the 74th minute when they restored parity through Hilda Magaia.
The goal inspired Banyana Banyana who went on to claim the winner 13 minutes later through Amogelang Motau, who fired home after Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo fumbled an earlier effort in the box.
The friendlies were part of the Scorchers’ preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafco) final qualifying round against Angola scheduled for October.
On the other hand, South Africa are preparing for the delayed 2024 Wafcon finals slated for Morocco in July.
