Banyana Banyana booked their spot in the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship final after seeing off Zimbabwe 4-2 on penalties on Friday afternoon.
Banyana coach Desiree Ellis made nine changes to the side that drew with Lesotho including in the goals where Casey Gordon replaced Dineo Magagula who started the last two matches at the tournament.
The hosts fell behind just 11 minutes in after Ethel Tapiwa Chinyerere spotted Casey Gordon off her line and unleashed a superb lob to give her side a 1-0 lead.
Nthabiseng Majiya had a chance to level matters in the 32nd minute after beating the offside trap, her effort though was blasted well into the stands.
Six minutes later, the Mamelodi Sundowns striker made up for her earlier missed chance as the turned the Zimbabwe defence inside out before slotting past Cynthia Shonga to make it 1-1.
Banyana returned from the break unchanged while Zimbabwe made a double sub bringing on Cleopatra Sipini for Preynence Zvawanda and the experienced Rutendo Makore for Fiona Kabera.
The Mighty Warriors changes injected new energy as they almost regained the lead through Makore in the 52ndminute.
Sibulele Holweni struck a powerful long range shot two minutes to the hour to force the Zimbabwean goalkeeper to make a super save.
Cynthia Shongwe came up tops again in the 67th minute denying Sinegugu Zondi from a free kick.
The game ended 1-1 with the spot kicks deciding the match as South Africa prevailed 4-2 and will play Namibia in Sunday’s final.
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