South Africa made it two out of two wins at the senior women’s COSAFA Cup, coming from behind to defeat Malawi 3-1 in Group A at Wolfson Stadium on Friday night.
Malawi took an early lead through Asimenye Simwaka in the fourth minute.
South Africa could have equalised, but Lebo Ramalepe hit the side of the net. In the 36th minute Ramalepe redeemed herself levelling from a corner.
It was the substitute, Noxolo Cesane, who gave Banyana Banyana the lead for the first time in the 68th minute.
With six minutes left on the clock Refiloe Jane found Amanda Mthandi who made no mistakes, scoring the winner.
Banyana coach Desiree Ellis is happy her team did not panic when they were trailing.
The defending champions are in firm control of their group with six points. However, Ellis does not want to get ahead of herself. Ellis also admits that the She Flames were the toughest opposition in the group.
Meanwhile, all is not lost for Malawi with one last group match to go against Comoros Islands on Monday.
Malawi are now tied on three points with Madagascar which defeated Comoros 5-1 in an earlier kickoff in the group.
Malawi coach Abel Mkhandawire says they are going to fight for the best loser spot.
Madagascar coach Hortensia Mamihasina is happy they have given themselves a chance at qualifying for the last four stage.
The side faces South Africa in their final group game. Mamihasina, with the help of a translator, says she is happy the changes she made produced results. Report by Lethabo Kganyago
