South Africa clinched the first ticket to the final of the 2022 Women's AFCON by beating Zambia in a tight match. They made the difference on penalty in the extra time.
Both teams sang the same national anthem, they share common geography but on the pitch it was literally two unknown heavy weights.
In the first period of this half, South Africa keeps the ball. But the Banyana Banyana struggled to get opportunities. Just the opposite of the Zambians. The latter takes advantage of the slightest recovery to explode on the counter. However, the strikers Chitundu, Lubandji and Mapepa were unable to make their chances count. The Copper Queens had seven shots (two on target) despite having 37% possession in the first half. The South Africans only managed one shot on target in two attempts. The two teams share the spoils at halftime (0-0).
South Africa at the end of the suspense
To counteract the Zambian counter-attacks, South Africa coach Desiree Ellis brought on defender Nomvula Kgoale for Thalea Lauren Smidt after the break. In attack, she also brought on Hildah Magaia for Melinda Kgadiete. The two teams played the same game in the second half to secure the first finalist spot in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations Women's Championship. South Africa dominated the game without success, while Zambia had no chance.
As the game went into extra time, South Africa won a penalty in stoppage time. A controversial one by many as the Ethiopian referee had to consult with the VAR team to decide make a final decision. Linda Mothalo took the penalty and scored (90+4). She sends her nation to the final for the 6th time in its history (no victory so far).
📹 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒: 🇿🇲 0-1 🇿🇦
Linda Motlhalo's late penalty sends #TeamSouthAfrica to the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2022 final game!#EmpoweringOurGame | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/QlQ1ur0Q4W
— #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2022 (@CAFwomen) July 19, 2022
