Black Queens hold Banyana Banyana

Ghana drew 1-1 with Banyana Banyana in their African Women's Championships match in Namibia, at the Independence Stadium yesterday.

Banyana came into the game off a 0-1 loss to Cameroun in their group-B match on Sunday when they conceded in the dying minutes.

Just before the quarter-hour mark, Ghana had the first real chance as Portia Boakye reeled off a powerful strike from just outside the box, but a Banyana defender blocked the shot.

Banyana took the lead in the 19th minute. Mamello Makhabane sent a free kick into the box, and Octavia Ngwenya pounced as the Ghana goalkeeper fumbled the ball, and the South African bundled the ball into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.

Ghana equalised in the first half injury time. Elizabeth Cudjoe gathered a cross unmarked in the six-yard area and duly found the target with ease to send the sides to the break, all-square.

The South Africans had the chance to move ahead again in the 68th minute, but fluffed a straightforward chance. Portia Modise whipped the ball into the box for Leandra Smeda, but without any defenders in sight the Banyana player was well-wide with her headed attempt.

The Black Queens next play Cameroun in the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek on Saturday, while South Africa next take on Algeria.