Banyana Banyana delighted with a 2-nil win over visitors Zambia after two late second-half goals broke the deadlock in South Africa’s favour in the final fixture, to win the 2025 Three Nations Series trophy at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, in Atteridgeville, Gauteng, on Tuesday, 3 June 2025.
The international friendly series, scheduled to allow teams game time to sharpen tactics ahead of the 2025 WAFCON in Morocco this December, began when Banyana Banyana opened their #ThreeNations series account with a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Botswana’s Mares on Wednesday last week.
Tour visitors Botswana and Zambia drew their Saturday tie 1-all, before the senior women’s national football team overcame Zambia in a tightly contested and often physical clash between the two regional neighbours on Tuesday.
After a goalless first half, the Sasol-sponsored South African Banyana Banyana stepped up the intensity in the second half, with Bongeka Gamede breaking the deadlock in the 74th minute with a stunning free kick, her first goal for coach Dr Desiree Ellis’s side.
The momentum stayed with Banyana Banyana and Jermaine Seoposenwe, who scored a brace in their opening match against Botswana, doubled the lead in the 82nd minute, to secure the win and the tournament title.
Gamede, whose standout goal shifted the momentum of the match, was proud of the team’s approach to neutralising Zambia’s strengths.
“I think we played well. We knew their strengths and how to capitalise on that. We tried to make sure they didn’t attack us as much as possible.”
Banyana Banyana Player, Bongeka Gamede
Reflecting on the performance, Dr Ellis commended her players for sticking to the plan while also highlighting areas the team still needs to improve on as they prepare for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco in July.
“Today, this was a true team effort. We stuck to the game plan, we denied them space, and we moved the ball around quickly,” said Dr Ellis.
“We still have a lot of work to do. There were moments where Zambia got behind us, and we need to get better at that. Especially in the middle of the park, we gave the ball away unnecessarily.”
Banyana Banyana Head Coach, Dr Desiree Ellis
Zambia, who came into the fixture after a 1–1 draw with Botswana a few days ago, posed a tough test for Banyana Banyana throughout the game. Their coach, Nora Häuptle, admitted that her side struggled to convert key moments into goals.
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“There were some good actions and also some bad actions,” said Häuptle. “We didn’t have enough players in the box when it mattered, and today, our top players were not at their best and that can happen.”
With two wins from two games in the series, including a 3–2 victory over Botswana, Banyana Banyana now shift focus to WAFCON 2025, carrying with them momentum and valuable match experience.
International Friendly AFCON 2025 Preparation Three-Nations Series
Wed 28 May – South Africa 3-2 Botswana
15h00 Sat 31 May – Botswana 1-1 Zambia
15h00 Tue 3 June – South Africa 2-0 Zambia
Banyana Banyana Squad for Zambia and Botswana International Friendly
Kaylin Swart – JVW FC
Andile Dlamini – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Jessica Williams – University of Cape Town FC
Casey Gordon – JVW FC
Lebohang Ramalepe – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Fikile Gagama – University of the Western Cape FC
Gabriela Salgado – JVW FC
Sharkira O’Malley – Western Michigan University (USA)
Tiisetso Makhubela – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Bambanani Mbane – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Karabo Dhlamini – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Bongeka Gamede – Nordsjaelland (Denmark)
Linda Mothlalo – Glasgow City (Scotland)
Nonhlanhla Mthandi – Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Refiloe Jane – TS Galaxy FC
Amogelang Motau – Club Tijuana (Mexico)
Regina Mogalola – JVW FC
Renniker Khoza – University of Fort Hare FC
Adrielle Mibe – UJ FC
Hildah Mgaia – Club Tijuana (Mexico)
Jermaine Seoposenwe – CF Monterray (Mexico)
Bonolo Mokoma – JVW FC
Kgaelebane Mohlakoana – TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
Michelle Sampson – University of Fort Hare FC
Original Copy: SAFA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Banyana Banyana ran away with a 2-nil win over visitors Zambia after two late second-half goals broke the deadlock in South Africa’s favour in the final fixture to win the 2025 WAFCON-readiness #ThreeNations International Friendlies Series at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, in Atteridgeville, Gauteng, on Tuesday, 3 June 2025. Photo: SAFA
Photo 2 Caption: Bongeka Gamede netted a free kick for her maiden international goal for the nation from distance in the 74th minute to break the deadlock in South Africa’s favour, beating the outstretched keeper’s attempt to find the top left corner. Photo: Sasol in Sport
Photo 3 Caption: CF Monterray’s Jermaine Seoposenwe doubled the advantage eight minutes later when she rounded defenders to outwit the Zambian keeper and seal the trophy for South Africa after Banyana Banyana’s 2-0 victory. Photo: Sasol in Sport
