Banyana Banyana suffered a 2-0 defeat to the United States in an international friendly on Sunday.
International Friendly
Result: United States 2-0 South Africa
Date: 25 September 2023
Venue: Soldier Field
These two nations faced two days ago in Cincinnati, where the two-time World champions registered a 3-0 victory in their first bit of action since the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Banyana coach Desire Ellis has opted for a few changes for Sunday's clash, as goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, Sinoxolo Cesane, Robyn Moodaly and Wendy Shongwe were recalled.
The encounter also served as a farewell match for Megan Rapinoe, who confirmed before the World Cup that she would be retiring from professional football.
The Americans got the opening goal after 18 minutes when Trinity Rodman made it two goals in two games against the African champions with a powerful volley at the far post from Alexis Morgan's cross.
The US had a couple more chances at goal as the half went on, but Dlamini produced a good save to keep out Tierna Davidson's effort while the likes of Rapinoe and Morgan squandered chances later in the stanza.
The hosts did go on to grab a second goal four minutes into the second half by taking advantage of a set-piece, as Emily Sonnett sent a looping header into the back of the net after Banyana failed to clear.
Ellis responded with a double change as Moodaly and Sinoxolo Cesane made way for Melinda Kgadieta and Nomvula Kgoale for the final 30 minutes of the second half.
The African champions were unable to work their way back into the contest in the latter stages of the second half and had to settle for back-to-back defeats in the US.
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