Banyana Banyana suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to European champions England in an international friendly on Tuesday night.
International Friendly
Result: England 2-1 South Africa
Date: 29 October 2024
Venue: The Coventry Building Society Arena
Desiree Ellis' charges were on the receiving end of a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Denmark a few days ago, while England lost to Germany in a seven-goal thriller.Banyana were draped out in an all pink kit for the encounter to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness month, which takes place during October in South Africa.
The home side got the breakthrough on 12 minutes when captain Leah Williamson sent a first-time finish into the bottom corner after being teed up by Jessica Ngunga.
While Thembi Kgatlana was a livewire for South Africa going forward, the were unable to stop England at the other end as Grace Clinton doubled the lead on 23 minutes by nodding home a cross from Maya Le Tissier.
There was a goalkeeper change at the start of the second half as Kaylin Swart made way for Andile Dlamini while Kholosa Biyana replaced Sinoxolo Cesane in the midfield.
Banyana did manage to pull one goal back ten minutes after the break when Kgatlana intercepted a pass from Williamson before going clear on goal and slotting past goalkeeper Mary Earps.
Kgatlana had the ball in the ball in the back of the net for a second time after breaking before firing home, but the celebrations were cut short after the offside flag had gone up.
The England defence struggled to deal with Kgatlana's pace throughout the clash and they had Earps to thank for denying the Banyana skipper a second after making a vital save in a one-on-one situation, as England held on for the win.
