The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana lost 4-1 to their Australian counterparts, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosts in an international friendly match played at the Kingsmeadow Stadium in London, the home of Chelsea Women’s FC.
The clash took place on Saturday, 8 October 2022.
Three goals without a reply saw the South African trail 3-0 at the break.
The Matildas made their intentions clear when they took the lead just five minutes into the match through Cortnee Vine, beating goalkeeper Regirl Ngobeni, who was got her first start for Banyana Banyana.
South Africa had hardly recovered when the Matildas stretched their advantage to 2-0 in the 24th minute, Vine grabbing her second of the day.
Captained by Jermaine Seoposenwe and playing without about 10 regulars who were not in the squad for various reasons, the visitors struggled and were unable to replicate the performance they displayed when they won the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in July.
Four minutes before the recess, the match was over as a contest as Australia made it 3-0, Clare Polkinghome the goal scorer.
The rout continued into the second stanza with the Matildas fourth goal coming in the 52nd minute through Caitlin Foord.
Four minutes before the final whistle, Banyana Banyana found a consolation goal with South Korea-based Hilda Magaia pulled one back to make it 1-4.
This was South Africa’s third heavy defeat in as many matches after going down to Copa America Feminina champions Brazil 3-0 and 6-0 last month in back-to-back friendly internationals at Orlando Stadium and in Durban respectively.
The fixtures are part of Banyana Banyana’s continuing preparations for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup next year.
Upon their return from London, head coach Desiree Ellis will travel to New Zealand for the draw where they will find out the identity of their opponents. She will be accompanied by Team Manager Lauren Duncan and Team Media Officer Sinethemba Mbatha.
The draw will take place on October 22.
By Matlhomola Morake
