Mighty Warriors, Banyana Banyana draw

Sport
NATIONAL Women football team, the Mighty Warriors allowed South Africa to come from behind to snatch a draw in an international friendly match at Sinaba Stadium in Daveyton, South Africa yesterday.

NATIONAL Women football team, the Mighty Warriors allowed South Africa to come from behind to snatch a draw in an international friendly match at Sinaba Stadium in Daveyton, South Africa yesterday.

REPORT BY HENRY MHARA IN DAVEYTON, SOUTH AFRICA

Rudo Neshamba gave the visitors a first half lead when she headed in a Violet Bepete cross from the right. The hosts responded 10 minutes after the halftime break with a close range shot from Amanda Dhalamini.

Both sides had goals disallowed Noko Matlou’s headed effort flagged off after 10 minutes while Felistas Muzongondi appeared to be in an onside position when she tapped home late in the second half after South African goalkeeper had clashed with her defender in a tussle, but an inconsistent referee Novo Ema Paulo of Mozambique ruled off the goal for an offside.

This was the sixth encounter between the two sides since the Mighty Warriors bounced back on to the international scene three years ago.

Two wins have been shared between the two teams and a winner yesterday could have gone home with the bragging rights.

It looked like Zimbabwe, who wanted the win more to improve on their Fifa rankings, would win the match as they enjoyed better possession in the early stages.

Zimbabwe is ranked 12th in Africa, eight positions worse than their opponents. The Mighty warrios had a chance to increase their lead two minutes into the second half but Nokuthula Ndlovu directed her effort against the cross bar.