Banyana Banyana were beaten 3-0 in an international friendly by the world’s number one ranked side USA at the Levi’s Stadium in California on Sunday evening.
Samantha Mewis scored once in each half and Carli Lloyd added a late stoppage goal as the Americans also launched their send-off series of matches before the World Cup in France kicks off on the 7th of June.
Banyana coach Desiree Ellis says her side was thoroughly tested as preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup reach the final stages.
Ellis used the game to give some of the youngsters in the team a chance to play. Uncapped national Under-17 captain Sibulele Holweni started the game while her junior national teammate Karabo Dhlamini came on at the start of the second half for Rhoda Mulaudzi.
Ellis shares her thoughts on the debutants.
Experienced Noko Matlou and goalkeeper Andile Dlamini were forced to come off with injuries and were replaced by Bambanani Mbane and Kaylin Swart respectively, something which concerned Ellis greatly.
Banyana returns home on Wednesday and will conclude their World Cup preparations when they take on Norway on the 2nd of June at Stade Moulonguet in Amiens, France.
Pitted in Group B they will open their campaign against Spain on the 8th of June before playing China on the 13th and two-time champions Germany on the 17th.
Great team effort by @Banyana_Banyana but @USWNT was in a different class. Strong SA SA defence must be commended. Good practice for the @FIFAWWC in France in June #DareToShine #fifawwc @SAFA_net @BafanaBafana #forbanyanabanyanacomeshowyourlove #BanyanaBanyana pic.twitter.com/7rgAO6uXbh
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) May 13, 2019
– Report by Tumi Gabonamong
