Banyana Banyana's FIFA Women's World Cup journey came to an end in the Last 16 after losing 2-0 to the Netherlands on Sunday morning.
2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
Result: Netherlands 2-0 South Africa
Date: 06 August 2023
Venue: Sydney Football Stadium
Desiree Ellis was boosted by the return of Kholosa Biyana, who returned from suspension, while Noko Matlou kept her spot in the defence after the win over Italy.
The South Africans did not get off to the perfect start as their struggles with defending corners proved telling when Jill Roord headed home from close range after Banyana failed to deal with an incoming corner.
Thembi Kgatlana was Banyana's liveliest threat at the other, as the stand-in captain managed to get behind the defence on a couple occasions before forcing goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar into two fine saves.
The South Africans' hopes getting back into the encounter were dampened when star attacker Jermaine Seoposenwe was forced with an injury on 29 minutes and replaced by Wendy Shongwe.
Kgatlana was the shinning light for the African champions in a disappointing first half that ended with another injury, as Mbane was stretchered off with a nasty ankle injury and replaced by Tiisetso Makhubela.
The Dutch had the ball in the back of the net for a second time ten minutes after the break, but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) came to Banyana's resuce as Lieke Martens' goal was ruled out for offside.
The second goal did arrive for the Netherlands in the 69th minute when a routine strike by Lineth Beerensteyn sailed through the arms of Banyana goalkeeper Kaylin Swart.
The South Africans went close to pulling themselves level a few minutes later when Kgatlana did well to tee up Linda Motlhalo, who saw her first-time strike force a superb low save out of Van Domselaar.
That proved to be the final clear-cut opening for the African champions, as the Dutch saw out the latter stages to claim the win and secure their spot in the quarter-finals.
For the African champions, they can remain proud of themselves after making history by becoming the first South African team to advance past the group stage phase at a World Cup.
Here's how they lined up:
Banyana Banyana: Swart, Ramalepe, Mbane, Matlou, Dhlamini, Biyana, Gamede, Magaia, Motlhalo, Seoposenwe, Kgatlana
Subs: Dlamini, Moletsane, Magama, Cesane, Salgado, Makhubela, Kgadiete, Holweni, Kgoale, Shongwe, Jane, Moodaly
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