SA U17 girls team coach braces for physical COSAFA final with Zambia
South Africa Under 17 girls’ football team coach Victoria Mbatha says she is bracing for a very physical COSAFA Championship final against Zambia on Sunday.
Mbatha spoke about the final meeting with the defending champions after South Africa’s Bantwana beat Botswana 3-0 in Thursday’s semifinal in Lilongwe.
SEMIFINAL MEETING WITH BOTSWANA
Winger Nobahle Mdwela scored in the 25th and 65th minutes then Sinazo Ntshota three minutes later to seal South Africa’s win at Bingu National Stadium.
Addressing the press, Mbatha said the semifinal scoreline does not reflect the performance of Botswana who she described as tough.
“It was a good game. Botswana gave us a good run for our money. These girls run for 90 minutes. They never get tired. We need to sharpen our scoring skills,” she said.
Mbatha then said her troops were not afraid to take on Zambia in the final.
“Zambia are a very physical team. We are prepared for that. We can physical if we want,” she said.
“As long as the best team win on the day, whether it is Zambia, whether it is South Africa, what is important is that the girls should enjoy the game.”
HOW ZAMBIA BOOKED A PLACE IN FINAL
Zambia sailed through to the final after beating hosts Malawi 3-1 on post-match penalties at the same venue on Wednesday.
The Copper Princesses had gone in front twice but Malawi fought back with Rose Kabzere scoring on both occasions.
However, Malawi failed to make the most of their post-match penalty kicks.
Meanwhile, South Africa under-17 boys team date Botswana in semifinal whereas Malawi face Zambia in a last-four contest.
The boys’ competition is also acting as the qualifier for the 2023 Algeria AFCON final.
The tournament in Malawi is being held as part of the Region 5 Games.
Malawi is hosting the games at Lilongwe stadium and Griffin Saenda indoor court for other sports codes.
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