BANYANA Banyana celebrated Human Rights Day in style by beating Ghana 5-4 on penalties here yesterday.
The sides were tied at 1-1 after regulation time and the match went straight into a penalty shootout.
Banyana scored all their five penalties through Noko Matlou, Leandra Smeda, Nomathemba Ntsibande, Janine van Wyk and goalie Thokozile Mndaweni.
Rosemary Ampem, Faiza Ibrahim, Elizabeth Addo and Edem Atovor netted for Ghana. Florence Okoe wept openly after Mndaweni saved her penalty.
Banyana used the match, organised by the Department of Sport and Recreation as part of international women's month celebrations, to prepare for the Olympics.
The hosts got the game off to a positive start when they frequented the opposition's goal area but squandered dozens of scoring opportunities.
The team's failure to score more than two goals is a big challenge for coach Joseph Mkhonza and assistant Jerry Laka.
After wasting many opportunities, Banyana finally took the lead in the 22nd minute through golden striker Matlou, who made no mistake from the penalty spot.
This was after Atovor handled inside the danger area in an attempt to clear.
The Ghanaians managed to bounce back in the second half, playing more purposeful soccer.
Their efforts were rewarded in the 52nd minute through Mercy Myles after a defensive error by Amanda Suster.
Mkhonza said: 'We played well but should have wrapped it up as early as the first half but we fluffed too many scoring opportunities. For us the most important thing is to prepare the team. We appreciate the support from the nation."
Safa women's committee deputy chairman Buti Lerefolo said: "We could not have celebrated Human Rights Day in a better way. We need to sustain the winning momentum. We are confident Banyana Banyana will make the country proud at the Olympics."
Banyana beat Ghana on penalties
BANYANA Banyana celebrated Human Rights Day in style by beating Ghana 5-4 on penalties here yesterday.
The sides were tied at 1-1 after regulation time and the match went straight into a penalty shootout.
Banyana scored all their five penalties through Noko Matlou, Leandra Smeda, Nomathemba Ntsibande, Janine van Wyk and goalie Thokozile Mndaweni.
Rosemary Ampem, Faiza Ibrahim, Elizabeth Addo and Edem Atovor netted for Ghana. Florence Okoe wept openly after Mndaweni saved her penalty.
Banyana used the match, organised by the Department of Sport and Recreation as part of international women's month celebrations, to prepare for the Olympics.
The hosts got the game off to a positive start when they frequented the opposition's goal area but squandered dozens of scoring opportunities.
The team's failure to score more than two goals is a big challenge for coach Joseph Mkhonza and assistant Jerry Laka.
After wasting many opportunities, Banyana finally took the lead in the 22nd minute through golden striker Matlou, who made no mistake from the penalty spot.
This was after Atovor handled inside the danger area in an attempt to clear.
The Ghanaians managed to bounce back in the second half, playing more purposeful soccer.
Their efforts were rewarded in the 52nd minute through Mercy Myles after a defensive error by Amanda Suster.
Mkhonza said: 'We played well but should have wrapped it up as early as the first half but we fluffed too many scoring opportunities. For us the most important thing is to prepare the team. We appreciate the support from the nation."
Safa women's committee deputy chairman Buti Lerefolo said: "We could not have celebrated Human Rights Day in a better way. We need to sustain the winning momentum. We are confident Banyana Banyana will make the country proud at the Olympics."
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