South Africa’s Banyana Banyana and Zimbabwe played to a goalless draw in their Africa Women’s Cup of Nations Group A match played at Stade Ahmadou Ahadjo on Saturday evening.

The game started at a furious pace with South Afica‚ as expected‚ pressing high to nullify Mighty Warrios effort to rapidly circulate the ball. It was a fascinating tactical battle although‚ at times‚ a little predictable.

Resultantly there was a lot of possession turn over and not enough in the way of scoring chances.

The first real opportunity came after 25 minutes when Banyana’s Shiwe Nogwanya who had done well to turn the defence and put himself into a shooting position failed to get any real power behind his shot.

On the half hour mark‚ Zimbabwe grew much confident forcing Dlamini to put brilliant saves.

Mighty Warriors best chance of the first half fell to Makhoto Sheila in between the South Africa defenders but his first touch let him down and the opportunity slipped by because of poor technique.

After the break‚ Zimbabwe should have gone ahead catching South Africa with Madanza Talent shuffled at his shot and never tested Dlamini.

But he did much better late in second half when his shot deflected off Makhabane and was just inches off target with Dlamini rooted to his line and well beaten.

With a little over 15 minutes left‚ Kgatlana almost forced his way through and a loose ball fell forNyadeni whose shot was blocked.
Makhabane‚ might well have broken the deadlock on the stroke of full time but his touch failed him and the chance spilled away from him.

South Africa :

Starting XI; Dlamini; Smeda; Van Wyk(C); Mbane; Vilakazi; Nyandeni; Makhabane; Jane; Kgatlana; Motlhalo; Nogwanya

Subs: Tsawe; Boks; Matlou; Mabatle; Ntsibande; Motau; Mgcoyi; Seoposenwe; Ngubane