Hosts Banyana seek to bounce back at Cosafa Women’s Championship

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana host Madagascar at the Hollywoodbets Cosafa Women’s Championship at Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3pm CAT).

Banyana will be seeking to bounce back from the opening 3-4 loss to Group A leaders Malawi on October 4 2023 at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Coach Desiree Ellis said she was not worried by the defeat in the opener, saying most players in her squad were new and inexperienced.

“A lot was to do with lack of communication. Two players going for the same ball and an error happens. All the goals they [Malawi] scored were from errors,” she said.

The coach said Banyana second rate squad was gradually jelling and she was expecting a better showing against Madagascar.

“A lot of players were not available for the tournament and it gives us an opportunity to give others a chance to show what they can offer, I am very proud of the team if you consider the challenges we had before the tournament,” Ellis said.

On October 4, China-based Temwa Chawinga scored a hattrick for Malawi who finished the game nervously as Banyana threatened to pull level.

Shumelele Shamase netted twice and Khesani Nkuna also scored as Banyana threatened to snatch a point.

 A lot will be expected from Nkuna and Shamase in the game against Madagascar.

In another match for the group scheduled for Saturday at noon, the Scorchers of Malawi face Eswatini at the same Dobsonville Stadium.

Eswatini started the race with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Madagascar at the same venue.

The tournament involves 12 teams split into three four-member groups.

Top two sides from each pool will advance to the semifinals.

This 2023 edition of the annual championship runs from October 4 to 15 2023 in the province of Gauteng. Zambia are the defending champions.