Malawi began their title defense with a 1-1 draw against Botswana, while Madagascar secured a significant 5-1 win over Mauritius. Malawi’s Faith Chinzimu scored to give her team the lead, but Botswana equalized through Laone Moloi just before halftime. Madagascar’s Sarah Rasoanandrasana netted two goals in their match, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament.
On the second day of the Hollywoodbets Cosafa Women’s Championship at Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Gqeberha, South Africa, the defending champions, Malawi, commenced their title defense with a 1-1 draw against Botswana. In another match within Group B, Madagascar triumphed over Mauritius with a commanding 5-1 victory. Initially, Malawi displayed a robust performance, particularly during the first 20 minutes, but struggled to penetrate Botswana’s formidable defense, fortified by the experience of goalkeeper Sedilame Boseja, who thwarted attempts by Asimenye Simwaka on two occasions. The breakthrough for Malawi came from a corner kick shortly before the half-hour mark, where Faith Chinzimu seized a loose ball to score. Just minutes later, Botswana nearly leveled the score through Lone Gaofetoge, whose header from a corner kick went astray. In a well-coordinated attack, a minute before halftime, Botswana found their equalizer, initiated by Keitumetse Dithebe and finished by Laone Moloi. In the second half, opportunities were limited for both teams, though Moloi came close to giving Botswana the lead with a shot that went wide. Malawi’s goalkeeper, Mercy Sikelo, proved instrumental in preserving the draw, making critical saves against efforts from Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse and substitute Yaone Modise. As a result, Madagascar leads Group B with three points following their earlier victory, followed by Botswana with one point and Malawi in third place. Mauritius, despite their loss, celebrated a historic moment as Julie Gopal netted the nation’s first-ever goal in the tournament. Moving forward, Day 3 will see the commencement of Group C and Group D matches, featuring notable teams including the 2022 winners, Zambia.
The Hollywoodbets Cosafa Women’s Championship is an annual football tournament showcasing female teams from Southern Africa. The competition seeks to promote women’s football and provide a platform for teams to gain international experience. This year’s championship features four groups, with teams competing for the coveted title. The tournament highlights not only the sporting abilities of the women’s teams but also important milestones in their respective football histories, such as Mauritius scoring their first goal in the tournament.
The matches of Day Two in the Hollywoodbets Cosafa Women’s Championship were pivotal as Malawi and Botswana concluded their contest in a draw, while Madagascar emerged victorious over Mauritius. The outcomes reflect the competitive spirit of the tournament, with Madagascar taking an early lead in Group B, while Malawi seeks to build upon their defensive strategies. The performances in this edition illustrate the growth of women’s football in the region, marked not only by fierce competition but also significant milestones for participating nations. As the tournament progresses, it will be crucial to monitor how each team adapts and overcomes challenges presented in upcoming matches.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
