Picture: Banyana Banyana players during a match against England/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
30 October 2024– Banyana Banyana lost their away international friendly match against England 1-2 in Coventry, UK, on Tuesday night, but the African Champions displayed tons of character and even won the admiration of the home supporters after a brave performance.
More than 24 000 fans filled the Coventry Building Society Arena and they cheered with excitement as both teams played some great football, creating several chances throughout the match. England went into the halftime break leading 0-2 after Leah Williamson scored the opening goal of the match in the 12th minute.
The Sasol-sponsored South African Senior Women’s National Team conceded the second goal 10 minutes later when Grace Clinton headed the ball past goalkeeper Kaylin Swart. The reigning African champions made a double substitution at halftime that saw goalkeeper Andile Dlamini come on to replace Kaylin Swart.
In another substitution, Sinoxolo Cesane came off for Kholoso Biyana to give more defence and steel in midfield. Hilda Magaia and Thembi Kgatlana combined extremely well up front to give England a few problems.
The visitors finally got the breakthrough in the 72nd minute when Kgatlana collected a loose ball and went straight for goal to pull one back for coach Desiree Ellis’ charges.
“There were a lot of things we didn’t do well in the match against Denmark that we rectified against England. We were well organized in defence and believe that we created a lot of chances.
“This match could have gone either way and we are extremely proud of our players because they matched England. We are preparing for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in 2025 and are on the right track,” she said.
Ellis further said, they have areas to work on and they are doing so by playing matches such as these two against England and Denmark. She added that Banyana Banyana will make their way back to South Africa on Wednesday night and will regroup during the next FIFA window next month.
“They will then travel to Jamaica to play two international friendly matches against the Reggae Girlz on 29 November and 2 December 2024,” said Ellis.
The Guardian 