Two goals in either half for the Netherlands were enough to halt the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana’s great run in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
South Africa’s impressive campaign came to an abrupt end in Sydney, Australia after they lost 2-0 to the France 2019 finalists.
Despite the defeat, Desiree Ellis’s charges gave a good account of themselves, especially in the first half were they kept the Netherlands defence busy – and had they taken their chances, the outcome could be different.
Led by Thembi Kgatlana, captain of the day due to the injury to Refiloe Jane, led with aplomb and could have scored at least three goals but was denied by the alert goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar, who kept her side in the match with great saves.
Banyana Banyana had already made history in this tournament by winning their first match in the competition, in only their second appearance, and also progressing to the Round of 16 – the first South African national team – female or male to do so.
But it was the Netherlands however, who opened the scoring in the ninth minute following a defensive mishap and Jill Roord benefitted.
With their never-say-die spirit, South Africa, one of the surprise packages of the competition took the fight to the European giants but could not find a way through, despite creating some good chances.
Again they were gifted a goal when Lineth Beerensteyn’s shot slipped through the arms of goalkeeper Kaylin Swart and trickled into the net.
With two goals to the good, Netherlands managed to hold on see out a win that has them up with Spain the quarterfinals – the Spaniards defeated Norway to progress.
The African Champions were also not helped by the loss of key players in the first half due to injury – the influential and hardworking duo of forward Jermaine Seoposenwe and Bambanani Mbane.
They were already without captain Refiloe Jane who hasn’t kicked a ball since she was stretchered off against Argentina in the 22nd minute of that fixture.
Despite these challenges, Banyana Banyana lit up the tournament with their brave, quick, attacking football that gave opposition defences anxious moments.
The South African bow out with their heads held high where they went toe to toe with Sweden – who knocked out defending champions USA on penalties – then gave Argentina a fright of their lives, before defeating Italy to book a place in the last 16.
Their next assignment is a clash against the Americans in two friendly matches in Cincinnati and Chicago next month.
BANYANA BANYANA RESULTS – 2023 FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
GROUP STAGES:
1 – 2 vs Sweden
2 – 2 vs Argentina
2 – 1 vs Italy
ROUND OF 16:
0 – 2 vs Netherlands
(CentreCircle.online is at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup courtesy of Sasol, sponsors of Banyana Banyana)
