23 January 2019 – Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana held Sweden to a goalless draw in the Albertina Sisulu Centenary Challenge played in Cape Town on Tuesday night (22 January 2019).
This was South Africa’s second match in three days – they lost 1-2 to Netherlands at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday (19 January 2019).
Banyana Banyana started well compared to the shaky start this past weekend, but were tested on the 11th minute by a Stina Blackstenius shot which resulted in nothing.
South Africa could have taken the lead in the 30th minute when forward Rhoda Mulaudzi had an opportunity to score after a good ball from Thembi Kgatlana, but she could not find the back of the net.
Blackstenius was back again in the second half with a ferocious shot but Andile Dlamini was alert in the Banyana Banyana goals.
In the 57th minute captain of the day Refiloe Jane tested Caissa Andersson who pulled off a great save.
The visitors could have taken the lead after a shot from Hanna Glas but the crossbar saved the day for the hosts.
Second half substitute Jermaine Seoposenwe nearly sealed it for South Africa with free kick in the dying minutes of the game, but the ball sailed narrowly wide of the Sweden goal.
In this half, the home side made several changes to give the team fresh legs – with Leandra Smeda, Seoposenwe, Amanda Mthandi and Hilda Magaia coming in for Koketso Tlailane, Kgatlana, Mulaudzi and Jane respectively.
It ended goalless, with Jane chosen as the Diski Queen of the Match, walking away with 10-thousand rand from proud sponsors Sasol.
This was a good game by Banyana Banyana who a year ago lost 3-0 to the same side that is now ranked 9th in the world.
What made it more exciting for head coach Desiree Ellis is that she had made four changes to the side that lost 1-2 to the Netherlands a few days earlier (Saturday, 19 January 2019).
Ellis was without the injured Janine van Wyk, while Smeda, Seoposenwe and goalkeeper Kaylin Swart started on the bench.
Banyana Banyana’s next assignment is the Cyprus Women’s Cup at the end of next month – which runs from 27 February to 6 March.
South Africa has been drawn in Group A with Finland, Korea DPR and Czech Republic.
Banyana Banyana 11 vs Sweden:
Andile Dlamini (GK), Lebohang Ramalepe, Nothando Vilakazi, Bambanani Mbane, Noko Matlou, Linda Motlhalo, Koketso Tlailane (Leandra Smeda), Refiloe Jane (c) (Hilda Magaia), Mamello Makhabane, Thembi Kgatlana (Jermaine Seoposenwe), Rhoda Mulaudzi (Amanda Mthandi)
Subs:
Kaylin Swart (GK) Victoria Muroa (GK), Amanda Mthandi, Tiisetso Makhubela, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Kholosa Biyana, Molatelo Sebata, Leandra Smeda, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hilda Magaia, Kelso Peskin
Not in Match Day squad:
Jessica Williams (GK), Janine van Wyk, Busisiwe Ndimeni, Karabo Dhlamini
Head Coach: Desiree Ellis