South Africa win 2017 Cosafa Women's Championship

South Africa claimed their fourth Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) Women’s Championship on Sunday after defeating hosts Zimbabwe 2-1 at the Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.

The 28-year-old Leandra Smeda was the hero of the night, scoring a 90th minute winner.

Hosts peg South Africa back before Smeda wins it

Banyana Banyana made a bright start; however, chances of reaching the 18-yard area were scarce.

Zimbabwe’s Marjory Nyaumwe had the first opportunity, heading narrowly off target.

South Africa responded, and after 35 minutes Zimbabwe’s goalkeeper Chido Dzingirai had to produce two brilliant saves as Thembi Kgatlana and Bambanani Mbane attacked her area.

On the stroke of half time, the South Africans then broke the deadlock as the experienced Smeda provided a killer pass that Thembi Kgatlana clinically converted.

In the second half, Zimbabwe pushed hard for an equaliser, but struggled to take their chances.

Eventually, however, the leveller came, Rutendo Makore nodding in her 10th goal of the tournament in the 73rd minute.

But just as it looked like the game was heading into extra time, Smeda found the back of the net with a neat header to hand South Africa the title.

Kgatlana was named the player of the tournament, while Zimbabwe’s Makore finished as the top scorer.

Double glory for South Africa's Ellis

South Africa’s caretaker boss Desiree Ellis became the first individual to win the competition both as a player and as a coach.

Back in 2002, the former Spurs Ladies ace led Banyana Banyana to glory in the first edition of the Cosafa Women's Championship, also beating Zimbabwe 2-1 in the final.