Dylan Bettencourt
Banyana Banyana are through to the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) after a dramatic penalty in the closing minutes gave them the victory against Zambia.
It was no vintage performance from Banyana; the penalty was dubious at best and they may even consider themselves lucky to be in the final.
Zambia set up to defend and play on the counter-attack, which proved an effective method as the Copper Queens had the better of the chances.
South Africa dominated the possession throughout the match but they were unable to get past the defensive wall of Zambia.
Banyana have not been at their attacking best this tournament and it showed again as the team lacked patience in the final third.
As the game drew to a close, Zambia looked determined to cause an upset and reach the Wafcon final for the first time ever.
But it was not meant to be as in the 93rd minute, Banyana were awarded a penalty when Jerome Seoposenwe was brought down in what looked like was on the line of the box.
After a lengthy VAR check, the referee awarded the penalty, much to the surprise of the Zambians.
Linda Mothalo was not fazed by the disputes from the Zambian team, converting the penalty to give Banyana the lead and the victory.
It was a game of tight margins as Banyana were forced to take shots from range. Both teams would have known one goal would potentially be the decider.
And that it was, right at the death.
All that matters after the game concluded is that Banyana booked consecutive Wafcon finals.
South Africa have been runners-up on five separate occasions but this time they will be aiming to make history and claim the title for the first time.
As they celebrate making the final, the team will have one eye on the Morocco vs Nigeria game to see who stands in their way of becoming the best female team on the continent.
Nigeria will hope they can emerge victorious in a bid to get revenge over Bayana who defeated them in the first group stage game of the tournament.
Regardless of the opponent, Banyana will need to improve if they are to claim the crown and write their names in history.
The final will take place on Saturday at 10pm.
Image source: @CAFWomen
