South Africa were simply too much for Comoros, beating them 13-0 on Friday in the 9th African Women’s Championship Namibia 2014, second round first leg qualifier in Mistamiouli.
The Banyana Banyana are almost certain of a place at the final tournament unless a super comeback by the Islanders in the return leg in a fortnight in Johannesburg. Veteran striker Portia Modise and Leandra Smeda scored four goals each, while Sanah Mollo netted a brace before a goal each from Mamello Makhabane, Nomathemba Ntsibande and Shiwe Nogwanya handed the South Africans one of their biggest wins in the history of women’s football.
The South Africans were an uphill task for their hosts, leading 5-0 at half time before scoring eight times in the second half to wrap up a famous victory.
Head coach of the Banyana Banyana, Vera Pauw was thrilled with her team’s performance which puts them in a good position to qualify.
“We prepared very well for the match, and I’m happy that the ladies have started finding the back of the net. We did not change the team, but we also gave other players a chance in the second half. We were dominating the game, the was not much competition from the start,” Pauw told the South African Football Association (SAFA) website after the game.
In Algiers, Algeria beat Tunisia 2-1 to carry a narrow lead into the return leg. Nachida Laifa opened the scores after 60 seconds before Ella Kaabachi drew level for the Tunisians on 20 minutes. Just before half time, Fatima Sekouane restored the lead of the Algerians, with what turned out to be the match winner.
Elsewhere in Abidjan, African champions Equatorial Guinea were held to a 1-1 draw by hosts Cote d’Ivoire.
The return leg will take place on the weekend of 6-8 June 2014 with seven teams emerging to join hosts Namibia for the final tournament from 11-24 October, also a qualifier for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada next year.
Fixtures
Friday, 23 May 2014
Algeria 2-1 Tunisia
Cote d’Ivoire 1-1 Equatorial Guinea
Comoros 0-13 South Africa
Saturday, 24 May 2014
Rwanda vs Nigeria
Senegal vs Cameroon
Sunday, 25 May 2014
Ethiopia vs Ghana
Zimbabwe vs Zambia
Confederation of African Football (CAF) News
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate