Preview: Banyana Banyana v Eswatini

Banyana Banyana v Eswatini

The 2023 HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship nears the business end of the tournament. Hosts, South Africa, put their opening day defeat by the hands of Malawi behind them as they dispatched Madagascar 3-1. That much needed victory at the Dobsonville Stadium saw Desiree Ellis’s ladies put their first points on the board. 

1/6 SOUTH AFRICA | 6/1 DRAW | 10/1 ESWATINI  (Odds provided by Hollywoodbets)

These two nations are both within a shot of progressing to the next stage of the tournament. Malawi has guaranteed their spot in the knockout phase of this year’s spectacle, as they followed up their win against South Africa with an eight goal romp against Eswatini.

Following a difficult loss by the hands of Malawi, the South African women’s national football team regrouped and put together an impressive performance against Madagascar, to kick start their campaign. Thalea Smidt was the player of the match in that one and will look to fire her nation into the knockout rounds of the tournament with another strong performance this time out.

Despite occupying third spot in the group, Eswatini have conceded 9 goals across their opening 2 fixtures, winning one and losing the other. During that period, they have netted just twice – with both goals coming in the second half period in their bout with Madagascar. Eswatini captain, Tenanile Ngamphalala got on the scoresheet and will need to lead by example in this one if they are to send the hosts crashing out of the spectacle.  

Desiree Ellis and Co know that progressing from the group is non-negotiable, having already missed out on top spot. Afterall, South Africa are the top-ranked side in the COSAFA region according to the FIFA Women’s World Rankings at number 45. They are the second best team in Africa according to the list after Nigeria (32). Zambia are the next highest from the COSAFA region at 69. Furthermore, South Africa have won seven of the previous 10 COSAFA Women’s Championships played, with Zimbabwe (2011), Tanzania (2021) and Zambia (2022) the other teams to lift the trophy.

To witness the action live, fans can come to the stadium early and collect their free tickets (limited to four per person) and the games will also be broadcasted on SuperSport channels including their DSTV Stream platform. The games can also be streamed live via FIFA+ and on SABC Sport’s DTT Channel 4.