Awcon 2018: South Africa 2-0 Mali: Banyana Banyana finalist with Nigeria

A goal in both halves was enough to lead South Africa to a 2-0 semi-final win against Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana, to be held Tuesday.

Houston Dash strikers Thembi Kgatlana and Lebogang Ramalepe appeared as Banyana Banyana's heroines at Cape Coast Stadium as their strikes marked a final clash with Nigeria, the eight-time world champion.

The result also allowed Desiree Ellis to obtain a qualifying ticket for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2019 in France.

South African coach Desiree Ellis made a change to the team that was content with a 1-1 draw against Zambia in his last group match, bringing Jermaine back Seoposenwe in 11th place for Busiswe Ndimeni.

Malian coach Mohamed Saloum Houssein has meanwhile presented three new faces in his starting lineup. Binta Diarra, Yakare Niakate and Djenaba Baradji replaced Lala Dicko, Aminata Doucoure and Agueissa Diarra for the last four meetings.

Banyana The captain of the Banyana team, Janine Van Wyk, opened the scoring for the first time with a free kick in the third minute. Nothando Vilakazi then took over the pbad.

In 31 minutes, South Africa scored the first goal by beating none other than the tournament's top scorer. Thembi Kgatlana, who raised his account to five.

After Rafiloe Jane apparently mishandled a high ball, the US-based striker jumped on a sliced ​​release of Salimata Diarra and released a close-range shot that just pointed in the bottom left corner of the net .

The closest goal of the first period in Mali was marked by the goal stop of Diarra, shortly after Bbadira Toure's goalkeeper was cleared when the goalkeeper of Africa's South, Kaylin Swart, was trying a free kick.

There were even fewer clear chances for both sides after the suspension.

Linda Motlhaho's shot from outside the box in the 75th minute was the first real test for Malian goalkeeper Adoudou Konate.

Then there was a goal from scratch for South Africa when Ramalepe took Konate by surprise with a crush from the outside of the box.

The article continues below

Mali tried to fight late, but Banyana Banyana was determined to win.

The Aiglonnes will face Cameroon, who lost 4-2 on penalties against Nigeria in the first semifinal, in the third place played Friday.

The winner of the penultimate match of the tournament will also join the two finalists of the Women's World Cup 2019.