Banyana Banyana began their COSAFA Women's Championship campaign with a 4-3 loss to Malawi on Wednesday afternoon.
Coach Desiree Ellis did not have the usual bunch of players to select from, with most of the 2023 FIFA World Cup squad not available.
As a result, a number of players from Hollywoodbets Super League have been called up, with many of them making their national team debuts.
The African champions found themselves 2-1 down in the first half after Thubelihle Shamase saw her goal cancelled out by Leticia Chinyamula and Tabitha Chawinga.
The Malawians raced further ahead in the second half as Chawinga netted two more goals to complete her hat-trick on the day.
Khensani Nkuna and Sphumelele Shamase did pull goals back for Banyana in the final 12 minutes, but the Malawains were able to hold on for three points in the end.
Ellis' charges will once again be in action on Saturday against Madagascar at the Dobsonville Stadium, with the match getting underway at 12h00.
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