Banyana Banyana kicked off their 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations preparations on a low note when they went down 5-1 to a clinical Netherlands in the city of Den Haag.
The visitors were without key players like AC Milan midfielder Refiloe Jane, Portuguese-based striker Jermaine Seoposenwe as well as forward Hilda Magaia, who plies her trade in South Korea.
Desiree Ellis’ charges, captained by Atletico Madrid’s Thembi Kgatlana, tried to compete early on with their 5thworld ranked opponents.
But they were a goal down in the 12th minute through a powerful strike by Manchester United’s Jackie Groenen that was came off the crossbar.
Not to be outdone, Kgatlana, with an assist from USA-based defender Karabo Dhlamini, levelled matters in the 25th minute with a calm finish – the second time she scores against Netherlands as she did in Cape Town in 2019.
The home side, playing in front of good crowd of supporters, wrestled back their lead on the half-hour mark with a beautiful and pinpoint volley from Lineth Beerensteyn. They extended their lead six minutes from the break with a great shot from Arsenal’s Vivienne Miedema – this was her seventh goal in a row after netting six on Friday (8 April 2022) against Cyprus in a World Cup qualifier.
Ellis introduced goalkeeper Kaylin Swart for Andile Dlamini at the start of the second half.
South Africa had an opportunity to reduce the deficit after the recess as the combination of Linda Motlhalo and Kgatlana seemed to cause problems for the Dutch, who fouled the Atletico Madrid forward.
Spain-based defender Noko Matlou stepped up to take the spotkick but Sari van Veenendaal made a great save to keep the scoreline unchanged.
Kgatlana had a golden chance to get a brace after she outsprinted the Dutch defence only for her shot to be saved by the goalkeeper.
Banyana Banyana brought in fresh legs in the 61st minute with Noxolo Cesane checking in for Gabriela Salgado, while Nomvula Mapula Kgoale took the place of Thalea Smidt.
But it was the 2017 European Champions that were able to grab a goal – second substitute Damaris Egurrola taking the game away from the visitors with a close range finish in the 76th minute.
She got her brace in referee’s optional time as to make it a convincing 5-1 win – their eighth win in a row over Banyana Banyana in as many matches.
The South Africans were outplayed, but they will return home with a full knowledge of what needs to be done between now and the start of the AWCON in July.
Netherlands: S. Van Veenedaal (GK), L. Wilms, A. Nouwen, D. Jansen, MCW Olislagers, S. Spitse, J. Groenen, L. Beerensteyn, KME van Dooren, V. Pelpva, V. Miedema,
Subs: Stefanie van der Gragt, Merel van Dongen, Chasity Grant, Romée Leuchter, Esmee Brugts, Katja Snoeijs, Damaris Egurrola, Caitlin Dijkstra, Jacintha Weimar, Kerstin Casparij, Jill Baijings, Barbara Lorsheyd
South Africa: Andile Dlamini (GK), Lebogang Ramalepe, Karabo Dhlamini, Bambanani Mbane, Noko Matlou, Thalea Smidt, Kholosa Biyana, Gabriela Salgado, Linda Motlhalo, Sibulele Holweni, Thembi Kgatlana (c)
Subs:
Kaylin Swart (GK), Koketso Tlailane, Janine van Wyk, Mamello Makhabane, Noxolo Cesane, Mapula Kgoale, Tiisetso Makhubela, Melinda Kgadiete, Robyn Moodaly.
By Matlhomola Morake
