South Africa Under 17 girls team (Bantwana) coach Victoria Mbatha has unpacked her game-plan that led to Bantwana’s 4-1 win over hosts Malawi on Thursday.
Mbatha said she had done her home work going into the Cosafa Under 17 Girls Championship at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
VICTORIA MBATHA SPEAKS ON DESTABILIZING MALAWI
“It was a very good game. First of all, I will not take anything away from Malawi,” she told the press.
“They were very prepared. We knew what we were coming up against.
“We knew that Malawi like to play long balls and they stabilize the spine, and we decided to move away from their spine and use the wings.”
Mbatha said her target was to ensure that Bantwana go all the way and reach the final.
“We’re very focused and want to go all the way. We wanted this win and don’t know Namibia’s [next opponent], but we need to be focused and we look forward to the next game,” she added.
Malawi coach Trevor Kajawa attributed the defeat to nervousness as his team was making a debut at the tournament.
SOUTH AFRICA UNDER 17 FLYING START TO THE GAME
South Africa needed barely 10 minutes into the match to open the scoring through Adrielle Mibe.
Bantwana doubled the advantage through Mibe again in the 38th minute after a counterattack.
South Africa nearly increased the lead a few minutes later but Mabahle Mdelwa sent his penalty kick bouncing off the post.
Three minutes later, there was no stopping Mdelwa who scored to put the game beyond the reach of Malawi.
Malawi pulled one back when Mary Mbalangwe scored via a rebound in the 66th minute.
Khutso Mogano scored South Africa’s final goal with six minutes to full-time.
Bantwana next take on Namibia on Saturday.
In an earlier match, holders Zambia defeated Botswana 5-0.
The Cosafa Championship is taking place as part of Africa Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games that also involve other disciplines in the Malawi capital.
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