Sundowns Ladies get a lifeline in defence of CAF Women’s Champions League title

After a shock 1-0 defeat to debutants FC Masar in the opening match, the South Africans bounced back in style in a dominant 4-0 win over Central Bank of Ethiopia on Wednesday.

READ: We can still do better – Sundowns Ladies coach after emphatic win

It was a changed Banyana ba Style that faced the East Africans – with Andile Dlamini, Oratile Mokwena and Asanda Hadebe taking the places of Sedilame Bosija, Kholosa Biyana and Thato Letsoso in the starting lineup.

But the latter had to be introduced after just 15 minutes of play following an injury to defender Bambanani Mbane. It is not clear if she will have recovered for the next match on Saturday.

First half goals from the Brazilians put the contest to bed very early. Melinda Kgadiete grabbed a brace, while Boitumelo Rabale and Lelona Daweti netted one each to get their campaign back on track. It could have been more, but Daweti had a goal disallowed while Rabale was stopped by the upright.

CBE FC lost their first fixture 3-0 against Edo Queens, and the latest defeat meant the end of the road for them as they have no points on the board with one match remaining.

In the other Group B clash, debutants Edo Queens and FC Masar played to a goalless draw, opening the door ever so slightly for Sundowns Ladies to sneak in, especially after their commanding display against CBE FC.

This was the first draw of the 2024 tournament.

 Wednesday’s results see the Nigerians (Queens) remain top of the table on four points level with FC Masar, while the South Africans are third on three points.

 In the final matches of the group phase, Sundowns Ladies will face Edo Queens, while FC Masar will lock horns with CBE FC who are playing for pride.

 Both matches will be played on Saturday, and will kick-off at 7pm South African time.