The South African national women’s U20 side Basetsana are through to the semi-finals of the inaugural women’s Cosafa Cup U20 Championships with a 3-1 win over Mozambique in Port Elizabeth on Monday.
Mozambique scored first through Lungile Leia in the fifth minute. Two minutes later, Oratile Mokoena levelled for the host nation leaving the game tied at 1-1 at halftime.
The second half saw Basetsana dominate and get goals from Shakira Jacobs and Zethembiso Vilakazi in the 72nd and 86th minutes, respectively. Basetsana Coach Simphiwe Dludlu says the opposition’s goalkeeper was the difference in her side not registering a high score.
South Africa topped Group A with nine points, scored seven goals and conceded one goal.
Coach Dludlu maintains that the tournament for her is still not about results, but teaching the juniors to play better.
Mozambique are eliminated and head home without registering a single win and point as they finish bottom of the group.
Coach Luis Fomo wanted his girls to enjoy this last game adding that they performed better than in the first two group matches.
Fomo says his team has been exposed to a higher level of competition and they take a lot of important lessons home with them.
Basetsana will play the team that finishes second in group B in the semi-finals on Thursday afternoon. Group B deciders are scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
– Report by Lethabo Kganyago
