Banyana Banyana have qualified for the Caf Women Nations Cup finals scheduled for Ghana in November this year after walloping hapless Lesotho 6-0 at Dr Petrus Molemela stadium in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
Banyana’s goals came from a double each by Jermaine Seoposenwe and Chantelle Esau, with a goal each from Hilda Magaia and Leandra Smeda for a 7-0 aggregate triumph.
And true to coach Desiree Ellis’ prediction, the girls were full value of their emphatic win as they ran riot in front of a good crowd. The win keeps Ellis and her charges on track to reach the Women Fifa World Cup in France next year.
Leading 1-0 from the first leg, Banyana Banyana were off the blocks early and Chantelle Esau could have doubled that advantage, but put her effort wide. But moments later Seoposenwe doubled the hosts advantage when she outsprinted the Lesotho defence and buried a good angled shot.
That was the goal Banyana Banyana needed and 2 minutes later made it was 2-0 for a 3-0 aggregate advantage when Esau made no mistake from inside the box. Thereafter, it was one-way traffic as Ellis’ charges threatened to run riot.
Celebrations at the Dr Petrus Molemela stadium as #Sasol @Banyana_Banyana qualify for the 2018 @CAF_Online African Women’s Cup of Nations pic.twitter.com/dhUbL91P52
— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) June 10, 2018
Kgaelebane Mohlakoane was having a good game on the right flank and twice came close to scoring in the opening 15 minutes. With Lesotho looking shell-shocked, the hosts played with conviction and flamboyance which have become the hallmark of their recent game.
Smeda then came face to face with Lesotho keeper, but her effort was well saved on the 28th minute. Esau missed another golden opportunity when she sent her effort wide on the 35th minute as the rare heat at this time of the year started to take its toll.
Soon after halftime, captain Refiloe Jane miscued her shot when she was put clear.
The Diski Queen of the Match:
Jermaine Seoposenwe #SasolBanyana #AWCON2018Q pic.twitter.com/Rd2fPAVMZE
— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) June 10, 2018
Esau made it 3-0 on the day with a good finish moments after restart.
Seoposenwe also completed her brace when she made no mistake from just inside the box on the 59th minute to make it 4-0 on the day and 5-0 on aggregate.
Hilda Magaia made it 5-0 on the 77th minute as Banyana Banyana kept the foot on the pedal. Smeda made it 6-0 with a simple header following a pass from Seoposenwe on the 82nd minute.