Banyana Banaya beat Lesotho 1-0 in the first leg of the second round of the Caf Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Setsoto Stadium Wednesday afternoon, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

Both teams came into the game knowing that a big performance in the first leg would set them up perfectly heading into Sunday’s second leg where the overall winner will seal qualification for the Women Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana in November.

It did not take Desiree Ellis’s team long to hit the front-foot. With only nine minutes on the clock Leandra Smeda gave the visitors the lead. Banyana with the vital away goal in Lesotho.

Banyana continued to push forward and almost doubled their lead from a corner, but Smeda’s header flew over the crossbar.

The South Africans continued to press forward with Lesotho looking to hit them on the counter.

Neither side could find a way to goal in the remainder of the half, 1-0 the score at the break.

Banyana had a chance to double their lead at the start of the second half as Nothando Vilakazi was brought down just outside the box. Refiloe Jane stepped up to take the free kick but couldn’t beat the keeper.

Ellis then turned to the bench by making a number of substitutions in an attempt to see out the game.

Despite some late pressure, the South Africans could not find a second as they walked away 1-0 winners. Banyana will take the slim advantage into Sunday’s second leg which will be played at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.