Banyana Banyana lost to Brazil 3-0 on Friday night as their Women’s World Cup preparations got underway.
Thembi Kgatlana and Noko Matlou were not included in Banyana’s starting lineup from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final victory over Morocco, but Jermaine Seoposenwe and Linda Motlhalo spearheaded the attack.
Brazilians were the more composed of the two teams early on and had a significant opportunity when Kerolin Ferraz broke through in the box, but Andile Dlamini, the goalie, came off his line and saved the shot from dead center.
The Copa America Femenina champions took control of the game high up the field, but Banyana created two great chances on counterattacks near the halfway point.
Noxolo Cesane, who grabbed onto a through pass clean on goal with shot-stopper Lorena da Silva far off her line, had the finest opportunity for the home team, but her first-time volley missed the open goals wide.
A magnificent goal by Geyse Ferreira, who controlled a rebound with her chest on the edge of the box and sent a dipping volley that went in off the crossbar, finally punished Desiree Ellis’ charges shortly before halftime.
On the verge of halftime, Brazil immediately increased their advantage after Andriana Leal da Silva pounced on an errant clearing by Bangeka Gamede in the box and sent a close-range shot past Dlamini.
In the opening moments of the second half, the visitors positioned themselves far from the ball, but Banyana made adjustments to their defense around the hour mark after Lebohang Ramalepe was replaced by Janine Van Wyk, the team’s most experienced player.
After a shoddy clearing by Bambani Mbane, Tamires de Britto made it 3-0 for Brazil moments later with a fantastic left-footed volley into the top corner of the goal. Banyana was unable to settle in the defense.
In the waning moments, the game became more open, and Seoposenwe had a great opportunity to score a consolation goal after breaking through on goal. However, Lorena da Silva deterred her by catching her trailing leg before she shot wide.
In the end, Brazil maintained their huge victory, but Banyana will have a chance to exact retribution in the second friendly, which will take place on Monday night at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
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