There were wins for South Africa and Madagascar in the Cosafa (Confederation of Southern African Football Associations) Women’s Under-17 Championships in Port Louis, Mauritius, on Monday.
South Africa had nothing near the goal deluge that marked their opening game at the championship against Seychelles but a 5-1 victory over Botswana in Group B all but assured them of progress to the semifinals.
The win at St François Xavier Stadium in Port Louis came after another sobering hammering for the Seychelles, who were beaten 16-0 by Madagascar earlier in the day and have now conceded 43 goals in two matches in their maiden appearance at the tournament.
The total number of goals going into the fifth-day on Tuesday is now approaching 100 with 90 in eight games to date.
Oyisa Marhasi started the goal-scoring as early as the second minute and added another in the second half to lay the platform for South Africa’s second victory in Group B.
It also lifted her goal tally to eight for the tournament, putting her back top of the goal-scoring charts.
South Africa captain Jessica Wade, who was named Player of the Match, headed home the second for her team but Pearl Sikwane pulled one back for Botswana to make it a slender 2-1 lead at the break.
But South Africa gave themselves a little more breathing space after Tiyana Carollissen scored soon into the second half before going on to record a convincing victory and become the first team into the semifinals.
Alinah Lalasoa scored a double hattrick for Madagascar as they had a one-sided 16-0 win over their fellow Indian Ocean Islanders while Lydia Razanajohary, who opened the scoring after six minutes, grabbed herself a hattrick.
Five other Malagasy got on the scoresheet to see the team go into the second spot in the standings.
On Tuesday, hosts Mauritius have their last chance to try and advance but will need to beat Uganda. Mauritius are on three points with Uganda on four and will have to put behind them the drubbing they received from Zambia on Sunday.
Zambia, who are also on four points, should ensure a top place as they take on a Comoros team that have conceded 20 goals in their opening two games.
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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