Hosts South Africa’s Banyana Banyana were held to a 1-1 draw by Lesotho in their final Group A match of the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship at a hot Seshego Stadium on Tuesday. Despite being unable to secure a win, the result was enough to see the team finish top of the group, maintaining their unbeaten run heading into the semi-finals.
Early Opportunities and a Shock Goal
Banyana Banyana started the match with attacking intent. Zoe October had an early chance from a set-piece in the 10th minute, but Lesotho goalkeeper Lineo Fanyane tipped the effort over the bar for a corner. Lesotho, growing in confidence, responded with persistent pressure, and their efforts paid off in the 31st minute when Makhotso Moalusi raced past the South African defence to unleash a rising shot that deflected off the post and into the net, giving the visitors an unexpected lead.
Mphelo Strikes to Level
South Africa did not take long to respond. Eight minutes after going behind, midfielder Thosisho Mphelo timed her run perfectly to connect with a long ball behind the Lesotho backline, calmly slotting the ball past Fanyane to restore parity. The score remained 1-1 at halftime, with both sides showing commitment and attacking intensity.
A Frantic Second Half
The second half saw high-paced action from end to end. Fanyane continued to frustrate the hosts with outstanding saves, including a fingertip stop to deny Sibongankoke Mzobe and tipping a powerful effort from Zoe October over the bar. South Africa made tactical substitutions, bringing on Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado, Regina Mogolola, and Asanda Hadebe, but could not find a winner. The match ended 1-1, leaving Banyana Banyana in a strong position for the knockout stage.
Malawi Ends on a High
While Banyana Banyana secured top spot in Group A, Malawi finished their tournament with a 1-0 victory over Angola at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Despite the win, the result was not enough to advance, as Zimbabwe had already claimed the best runner-up spot from Group B. Malawi’s Ireen Khumalo scored the lone goal with a long looping free-kick that caught goalkeeper Mari Muecalia off her line.
Semi-Finals Await
With the group stage complete, Banyana Banyana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia await the winner of Group C, which will be either Namibia or Madagascar, to complete the semi-final lineup. The draw ensures that South Africa remain unbeaten and gives them momentum as they prepare to extend their dominance in the tournament.
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