The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana went down 3-0 to Brazil in an international friendly match at Orlando Stadium on Friday (2 September 2022).
This was South Africa’s first outing since they lifted their maiden TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco just over a month ago (23 July 2022).
The clash between the two footballing nations is part of preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup that will be held in Australia and New Zealand next year.
The visitors are ranked ninth in the world compared to South Africa’s 54th place – and it was evident in the game that the two nations were a world apart in terms of football prowess, even though Banyana Banyana held their own in the early stages of the first half.
The hosts were let down by poor marking with a lot of question marks on the organisational defence, which saw Brazil take a 2-0 lead at recess.
Geyse put them ahead three minutes from time with a well-taken volley that gave Andile Dlamini no chance in goals, hitting the root of the crossbar enroute to the net.
Another error at the back and Adriana stretched the advantage on the stroke of half time.
In the 64th minute, the match was over as a contest when Kathellen hit the back of the net for a 3-0 lead.
No matter how much fight South Africa put up, Brazil had done the business and just calmly kept ball possession to see out the match.
The two countries will meet again on Monday evening (5 September) at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban for their second and final international friendly.
Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis will hoping her charges turn the tables on their more fancied opponents and grab a win.
By Matlhomola Morakea
