The South African Women’s Olympic Football Team suffered a 4-1 loss to New Zealand in an international friendly match played at Estadiu Luso Brasileiro – the home of Brazilian club Botafogo in Rio de Janeiro.
The clash, which took place on Thursday, 28 July 2016, was used by both teams to as their final warm-up matches ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games starting next week.
After their fine display against the USA earlier this month – where they lost 1-0 – much was expected from the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana.
South Africa’s head coach Vera Pauw made three changes to the team that played in that match. She brought on Bambanani Mbane, Leandra Smeda and Mamello Makhabane for Noko Matlou, Shiwe Nogwanya and Robyn Moodaly respectively.
Mbane got her first start in Banyana Banyana colours while Makhabane made a return to the starting eleven after a long absence due to injury.
But Banyana Banyana could not produce the magic they had when they faced the USA and found themselves a goal down in the 14th minute through a Hannah Wilkinson header.
They were dealt a further blow when they conceded the second goal just on the 32nd minute mark – Amber Hearn the goal scorer.
Pauw made several changes at the start of the second half but they could not bring the desired result, instead it was New Zealand who took an unassailable 3-0 nil with Annalie Longo coming from the bench to score midway in the second half.
Jermaine Seoposenwe pulled one back for South Africa in 65th minute.
Five minutes before the final whistle, New Zealand got their fourth of the game to end the match 4-1 in their favour, with the goal coming from Sarah Gregarius.
In the end, it was not the best performance for Banyana Banyana and will have to work extra hard to over Sweden in the opening match of the Rio Olympics.
Here is how they lined up:
South Africa:
Roxanne Barker (Andile Dlamini), Lebohang Ramalepe, Nothando Vilakazi, Bambanani Mbane (Noko Matlou) Janine Van Wyk (capt.); Mamello Makhabane, Stephanie Malherbe, Linda Motlhalo (Amanda Dlamini), Jermaine Seoposenwe (Sanah Mollo), Refiloe Jane, Leandra Smeda (Shiwe Nogwanya)
Subs:
Andile Dlamini, Amanda Dlamini, Sanah Mollo, Robyn Moodaly, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Noko Matlou, Shiwe Nogwanya
Head coach: Vera Pauw
New Zealand:
Erin Nayler, Ria Percival, Katie Duncan, Abby Erceg, Rebekah Stott, Ali Riley, Amber Hearn, Sarah Gregarius, Betsy Hassett, Katie Bowen, Hannah Wilkinson, Victoria Esson
Subs:
Anna Green, Jasmine Pereira, Kirsty Yallop, Rosie White, Meikayla Moore, Annalie Lango, Daisy Cleverly, Paige Satchell, CJ Bott
Head Coach: Tony Readings
Match Officials:
REFEREE: Simone (Brazil)
ASSISTANT REFEREE 1: Bastos Nadine (Brazil)
ASSISTANT REFEREE 2: Sacelotti Tatiane (Brazil)
4TH OFFICIAL: Moura Regildenia (Brazil)