Banyana pushed by resillent Botswana

Banyana Banyana started their preparations for the defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title with a hard-fought victory 3-2 victory over neighbours Botswana in the Tri-Nations opener at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Captain Refiloe Jane made her return to international football as she started and played her first Banyana match in over a year after suffering a career-threatening injury.

Banyana drew first blood in the 13th minute when forward Adrielle Mibe was on hand to pounce on a ball that Botswana goalkeeper, Bosija Sedilame, parried into her path.

Just four minutes later, Banyana increased their lead as the seasoned Jermaine Seoposenwe found the back of the net in the 17th minute.

Seoposenwe got her second in the 36th when she beat Sedilame from close range after she capitalised on a defensive error by Gaofetoge Lone.

Botswana managed to pull one back in the 41st minute through Duduetsang Radiakanyo, who unleashed a powerful shot inside the box to beat Banyana goalkeeper, Kaylin Swart.

Botswana, who came back from the break with more purpose, scored their second goal through Phenyoyane Moloi, who received a defence-splitting pass from the midfield to beat Swart once again.