Banyana B team claim Cosafa final berth after win against Moz on penalties

Banyana Banyana came from a goal down to qualify for the final of the Cosafa Women’s Championship, beating Mozambique 4-1 on penalties after their semifinal ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time at Wolfson Stadium in Gqeberha on Thursday. 

The Banyana B side will face Zambia in the final at the same venue in Kwazakhele on Saturday (3pm).

The win saw coach Maude Khumalo’s developmental side keep their hopes of regaining the title alive.

South Africa are record seven-time winners of the Cosafa Women’s Championship, but last won the competition in 2020. In 2023, the side failed to get past the group stages after losing 4-3 to Malawi.

Mozambique dominated the first 30 minutes on Thursday, giving Banyana little space to play. The first goal attempt came in the 11th minute, with Albertina Pondja’s strike going wide.

Os Mambas kept the pressure on Banyana in an attempt to get an early goal. Cidalia Cuta came close when she slid through SA’s defence and sprinted towards goal to find herself one-on-one with goalkeeper Jessica Williams, but her shot went straight into the keeper’s hands.

Mozambique finally found the back of the net in the 33rd minute after a miscommunication between Banyana’s defenders, which presented an open goalmouth for Celia Miguel to score.

South Africa got their equaliser just before half time after Shannon Macomo was fouled inside the box and were awarded a penalty after a lengthy consultation with the VAR officials. Tsogofatso Motlogelwa made no mistake with the spot-kick.

Banyana tried their best to get a winner, but Mozambique were resolute. The Os Mambas were never really in the shoot-out and the home side were clinical.

In the first semifinal, Zambia beat defending champions Malawi 2-0.

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