Banyana Banyana strengthened their bid for a semi-final spot in the COSAFA Women’s Championship with a convincing 2–0 victory over Angola on Saturday, following a 2–0 win against Malawi last Thursday. The back-to-back wins have put the South African women’s national team three points clear at the top of Group A.
Head coach Desiree Ellis emphasized the importance of starting the tournament strong. “To get the win in the first game was important because otherwise we would have been on the back foot and chasing. It was just as important to secure the Angola victory. Then we knew we were in the next round,” she said.
With the final Group A clash against Lesotho looming, Ellis noted that the team’s early successes had eased the pressure. She also praised the impact of younger players, many making their national team debuts, who helped maintain momentum and build confidence within the squad.
The COSAFA tournament also serves as preparation for the upcoming CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 in Morocco, scheduled for next month. Ellis highlighted that integrating new talent now is key for South Africa’s continental campaign.
