(At GU Stadium)
Silver Strikers…..(2)5
Grace 2nd, Carolyne 45+3, 56th, 63rd, Gladys Banda 50th
Nsingizini…………(0)1
Lucia 76th
BOTSWANA-Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies have crashed out of their maiden CAF campaign after suffering a 5-1 defeat to Silver Strikers.
The fiercely-contested Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Champions League/COSAFA Qualifier clash was slated for 4pm at Gaborone United Stadium earlier today.
For the match, Mpendulo Mawelela made three changes to the starting 11 that played Costa do Sol on Sunday. In goal, Nompilo Dlamini was replaced by Nonduduzo Mhlanga.
Meanwhile, in the outfield, Nonjabuliso ‘Shimi’ Mokgale and Danai Bhobho dropped out, with Noxolo Lukhele and Neliswa Ngcamphalala getting a nod.
The rest of the line-up remained the same. Samkelisiwe Fakudze, Nobengazi Makopo, Lucia Gaonwe, Phumlile Kunene, Anele Ngwenya, Philisiwe Dlamini, Nthabeleng Potsane all retained their places and Nomfundo Bhembe continued as captain. It was a slight rotation focused on the goalkeeper and two outfield positions between the two matches.
The wounded Eswatini side faced Strikers of Malawi in a battle of pride. Both sides were under massive pressure to seal victories after suffering defeats in their previous matches. Heading to this match, Nsingizini’s chances of advancing in this tournament were slim after suffering two setbacks and conceding 11 goals.
They needed to win their clash against Strikers by a huge margin while hoping Costa do Sol crashes to Mamelodi Sundowns in a simultaneous fixture in order to boost survival chances. This was after Nsingizini were handed a heaviest defeat of 8-0 by two time champions Sundowns. They further lost 1-3 to Mozambican side Costa do Sol.
Reversely, a draw was all the opposition needed against Nsingizini to progress to the knockout stages depending on how Sundowns plays against Costa do Sol. In this year’s edition, the top two teams advance to the next round. On the field of play, Strikers broke the deadlock just into the first minute through Grace Kakangula. Elsewhere, Nsingizini’s Lucia Gaonwe tried to find an equaliser but Strikers Captain Ruth Nyirongo ruined those ambitions 10 minutes later. In the 20th minute, Neliswa Ngcamphalala tried to find a way past Ireen Khumalo which was fruitless thus keeping Ireen Sibande’s perimeters protected. Strikers extended their lead just before South African referee Nonjabulo Ndlela signalled for the breather. Meanwhile, Patricio Kulemeka’s troops added woes as replacement Gladys Banda stretched the lead shortly after the return. Elsewhere, Gaonwe combined well with Potsane from a Shimi pass but Sibande swiftly saved this ball in the 50th minute. It never rained but poured for Mawelela’s charges as Mathyola completed her brace three minutes later leaving Mhlanga and the Eswatini Darts National team who came in support dejected. Regardless, Nsingizini defender Nobengazi Makopo struck a low ball in an attempt of pulling a consolation goal but it was not strong enough to make Sibande restless. Mathyola was on the score sheet again im the 63rd minute, completing her hat-trick and earned a Player of the Match award. Meanwhile, Gaonwe’s hardwork finally paid off 14 minutes from time, with Nsingizini recording their second goal of this competition. The score ended 5-1 as Ndlela blew her final whistle.
Starting line-ups
Silver Strikers
Ireen Sibande (GK), Ruth Nyirongo(C), Chikondi Dube, Ireen Khumalo, Yamikani Mhango, Carolyne Mathyola, Chikondi Gondwe, Wezzi Mvula, Tionge Phiri, Linda Manda, Grace Kakangula
Nsingizini Hotspurs
Nonduduzo Mhlanga (GK), Nomfundo Bhembe (C), Samkelisiwe Fakudze, Noxolo Lukhele, Nobengazi Makopo, Neliswa Ngcamphalala, Lucia Gaonwe, Phumlile Kunene, Anele Ngwenya, Philisiwe Dlamini, Nthabeleng Potsane
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