It’s just a few days until the FIFA Women’s World Cup gets underway, and Banyana Banyana were missing a number of stars for their final warm-up game against Norway.
It was a tough day at the office for South Africa’s women as they went up against a Norwegian team that are going for gold in France, and Desiree Ellis’ side were beaten 7-2 on the night after going in at the halftime break 5-0 down.
A better second half saw Banyana get two goals of their own while conceding two more against the 12th best side in women’s football currently, and they will be hoping to try and at least take some positives from the encounter as they prepare to face Spain on June 8.
Captain, Janine Van Wyk, was one of the key members missing for Banyana – currently ranked 49th in the world in the FIFA rankings – and their head coach will be eager to have everyone available later in the week once they’ve arrived in Le Havre.
SAFA’s official website explained prior to the game in Amiens on Sunday, “Six players have not been considered for this encounter – Van Wyk, Mamello Makhabane, Leandra Smeda and goalkeeper Kaylin Swart – all have niggling injuries, while Nompumelelo Nyandeni and Ongeziwe Ndlangisa are the standby players.”
Banyana face Spain, China and Germany in their WWC group as they represent South Africa on the world’s greatest stage for the first time.
