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Banyana edge Zambia to book Wafcon final spot

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Banyana Banyana will face Morocco in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final after beating Zambia 1-0 on Monday night in the semi-finals.

The South Africans came into the game as heavy favourites despite a list of players missing through injury or illness.

The Zambians had the first big chance of the encounter just eight minutes in when Ochumba Lubandji was left free at the front post, but failed to hit target.

Banyana looked to force themselves into the game but the Zambians were proving organised and determined as they managed to keep Desiree Ellis’ team at bay in the opening 45 minutes.

Ellis rang the changes in the second half and almost got the desired impact when they thought they had been awarded a penalty just before the hour mark, when Lushomo Mweemba brought down Noxolo Cesane. But, after a VAR check, a foul was given instead because the challenge took place outside the box.

With both sides struggling to create any opening, the game looked destined for extra time but a late push from the South Africans changed matters.

First, it was Jermaine Seoposenwe who had her close-range strike tipped away by Musonda, but moments later Banayana were aided by VAR who awarded a penalty to Ellis’ team.

Linda Motlhalo stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick to hand her side the win and seal a spot in the Wafcon final.