Botswana v Banyana Banyana

Banyana Banyana and Botswana played to a goalless draw in a 2020 Olympic qualifier in Gaborone on Friday evening.   Desiree Ellis rolled out a strong starting eleven, with Bambanani Mbane giving her 50th cap in the South African women's national team colours.   Botswana applied the early pressure, but the South Africans held firm to maintain a balance in the overall contest. Andile Dlamini though was called into action on 15 minutes, as Lesego Radiakanyo threatened the opener with a fine header.   Nothando Vilakazi and Robyn Moodaly looked to open up the home side following the half-hour mark, but Botswana managed their defensive lines effectively. However. Ellis was forced into a substitution five minutes to the break, as Moodaly's injury paved the introduction of Busisiwe Ndimeni.   The second half got off to a slow pace, as neither side showed any real desire to find the breakthrough amidst the heat, which saw Boitumelo Gammu introduced off the bench after 57 minutes as Botswana introduced their first change with Mokgabo Thanda sacrificed.   After a quiet spell in the half, Ellis' charges almost stole a late winner in the final ten minutes, but Mamello Makhabane's free-kick couldn't get the better of Botswana shot-stopper Sedilame Bosija as the encounter ended all square.   The game drew to a close with Banyana carrying a slight advantage for the return-leg in two weeks time.