Gabriela Salgado and Nonhlanhla Mthandi were on the score sheet as Banyana Banyana defeated Angola 2-0 to all but qualify to the knockout phase of the 2025 COSAFA Women’s championship at Seshego stadium on Saturday.
Salgado scored the opener in the 12th minute in her first start since returning to the national senior team from a lengthy injury. She was one of the nine changes made by coach Dr Desiree Ellis from the opening Group A victory over Malawi. Isabella Ludwig who assisted the opener and Regina Mogolola were the only survivors from the first match. Â
After conceding the first goal, Angola had a resolute defense not allowing Banyana in their box. Banyana had a real chance to double the lead in the last 20 minutes of the match after a good combination play between Bonolo Mokoma and Sibongakonke Mzobe, but Mzobe missed the target inside the box. Â
Nine minutes later Banyana won corner, Sibulele Holweni swung the ball into the box just as it was cleared substitute Mthandi pounced on the rebound to score the second goal and winner. Â
Banyana currently top the group with six points in two matches.
The winners of the three groups at the tournament and the best runner-up will qualify for the semi-finals, with Banyana all but having booked their spot in the last four with their second 2-0 victory.
