6 May 2019 – Basetsana suffered a 3-0 loss against Thailand who were one player less following a red card in the tournament’s opening match at the Haicang Sport Centre Stadium , in Xiamen on Monday afternoon.
A brace from Pram-Nak and a goal from Rodthong gave the South African their first loss against their first ever Asian opponent, while Noinijean was given her matching orders in the 33rd minute after a dangerous tackle on Noxolo Cesane who was outstanding in the match.
The South Africans were very flat in the in opening minutes of the game but managed to get into their usual passing game with a few some good touches. The second half of the match was must better for Basetsana as they managed to control the midfield but could still not find the back of the net.
“We managed to see good combinations in the match, and I believe we tried to express ourselves better in the second half,” said coach Sheryl Botes.
“The score line is not a true reflection of the game but I have to admit that we gave them those goals. The one was a handball in the box, the other a positioning error and a lapse of concentration.
Luckily for us the tournament rules allow for six substitutions in a match, so we managed to change a few players around and got to see better combinations from certain players. We will now turn our attention to Vietnam who we will face on Wednesday,” said Botes.
South Africa will then play Vietnam on 8 May 2019, and face hosts China on 10 May 2019, in their last 4 Nations match.
South African starting XI: Kaydee Windgovel (Ramaisa 86’),Tyler-Bree Joss, Noxolo Cesane, Morongwa Manamela (c); Sarah Walker, Kaylyn Jordaan (Macomo 39’), Jessica Wade, Sinoxolo Cesane (Vilakazi 86’), Nicole Micael (Mokwena 39’), Annah Queen Mokgatha (Mphigalale 74’), Chelsea Daniels(Noble 74’)
South African substitutes: Leigh Brophy, Ntabiseng Ramaisa, Shakira O’Malley, Mpho Seabi, Shannon Macomo, Zethembiso Vilakazi, Oratile Mokwena, Surprise Mphigalale, Christy Noble