South Africa have one leg in the semi-final of the 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations following a 7-1 thrashing of Equatorial Guinea in their second Group B encounter at the Cape Coast Stadium.

Banyana humbled the defending champions Nigeria in a 1-0 opening win on Sunday and were hoping to consolidate their fine start against the group’s rock-bottom side, who fell 5-0 to Zambia in their opening encounter.

On the other hand, Jean-Paul Mpila’s side suffered a scandalous defeat at the hands of Bruce Mwape’s side and were desperate to recover from their a humiliating start against South Africa.

 

However, a brace by Chrestina Katglana alongside strikes from Linda Motlhalo, Mpumi Nyandeni, Refiloe Jane, Amanda Mthandi and Jermaine Seoposenwe put Desiree Ellis’s ladies on the brink of a semi-final berth.

The four-time finalist started like a house of fire when Motlhalo powered them in front after 19 minutes from the spot, before Nyandeni made it 2-0 two minutes later.

But Elena Nkuandum pulled one back in what turned out to be just a consolation for Equatorial Guinea on the brink of half time.

Banyana though restarted the game on a high as Jane increased Banyana’s tally in the 56th minute and Kgatlana then grabbed a double in the 60th and 63th minute to register her second and third goal respectively in the tournament.

Furthermore, Mthandi and Seoposenwe added the sixth and seventh goal of the day in the 76th and 79th minute to ensure Ellis’ side made light work of Mpila’s ladies to earn six points and claim top spot in Group B.

Having secured back-to-back wins, South Africa will now be seeking a point in order to confirm their semi-final place when they come up against regional foes Zambia on Saturday, while already eliminated Equatorial Guinea will take on second placed Nigeria on the same day.