FIFA Women's World Cup
Result: Spain 3-1 South Africa
Date: 08 June 2019
Venue: Stade Océane
Click through the gallery to see action from Banyana's clash with Spain
A valiant Banyana Banyana outfit began their FIFA Women's World Cup campaign with defeat to Spain, with VAR grabbing the headlines late in the game.
Banyana made only one change from their 7-2 hammering by Norway last weekend, with captain Janine Van Wyk coming back to lead the side in their maiden appearance at the World Cup. South Africa were under pressure in the early stages and nearly conceded in the sixth minute after Mariona was gifted space just outside the box, but shot-stopper Andile Dlamini made a great stop at the near post. Desiree Ellis' troops absorbed the pressure but their pace on counter-attacks was causing problems for the European side, while their first chance came in the 16th minute when Nothando Vilakazi's free-kick deflected just over the crossbar. Ten minutes later, Thembi Kgatlana sensationally broke the deadlock with a curling effort from distance that left goalkeeper Sandra Panos with no chance. It was also Banyana's first ever goal at a World Cup. Spain continued to probe for the equaliser in the closing stages of the first stanza and almost levelled matters with a last-gasp long range shot in first-half stoppage time but Dlamini made a great save at top corner to preserve a the 1-0 lead for South Africa going to the break. Banyana were playing with their backs against the wall in the early stages of the second half, which forced Ellis made a tactical change seven minutes after the break, bringing on defensive midfielder Busisiwe Ndimeni in place of attacker Linda Motlhalo. However, Spain were awarded a penalty with 20 minutes remaining after a shot by Jennifer Hermoso struck Van Wyk's raised arm inside the box. Hermoso then stepped up herself to equalise for Vilda's charges, sending Dlamini the wrong way.. Banyana were unlucky with eight minutes remaining after they conceded another penalty with Nothando Vilakazi adjudged to have caught Lucia Garcia with a landing raised leg inside the box and the defender was shown her second yellow card after consultation with VAR. Hermoso grabbed the lead for Spain with another strike from the penalty spot and completed her brace in the process. Spain managed to round off the scoring soon after as Garcia went through on a break attack and rounded Dlamini to slot into an empty net to seal a 3-1 victory.Here's how they lined up:
Spain: Panos, Paredes, Losada, Corredera, Torrejon, Cadentey, Hermoso, Putellas, Torrecilla, Leon, Sampedro. Banyana: Dlamini, Ramalepe, Vilakazi, Van Wyk, Matlou, Mthandi (Seoposenwe 55'), Biyana, Jane, Motlhalo (Ndimeni 51'), Kgatlana, Fulutudilu. Subs: Mpuru (GK), Mbane, Dhlamini, Seoposenwe, Makhubela, Gamede, Ndimeni, Mulaudzi, Holweni, Makhabane, Smeda, Swart (GK),
