9 May 2019 – The South African U-20 Women’s National Team (Basetsana) lost their second consecutive match 3-0 against Vietnam on Wednesday afternoon.

South Africa is currently participating in the U-19 Women’s International Tournament at Haicang Sport Centre Stadium in Xiamen, China.

The Vietnamese U-19 team took the lead in the 11th minute of the match, when Thi Thanh put the ball past Leigh Brophy who failed to handle the ball.

Noxolo Cesane fouled Thanh in the 23rd minute and the referee pointed straight to the penalty spot where Lan Anh converted from the spot.

In the second half Brophy failed to control the ball, allowing Thi Thanh to score a brace with a second goal in the 53rd minute.

Tournament Head Coach Sheryl Botes believes that the performance was much better than the Thailand loss in the opening match but admits that a few defensive errors and decision making cost them the game.

“The players played much better today, they moved as a unit, managed to go forward a bit better and managed to deal with the physical aggression of Vietnam, however; we were poor in decision making and protecting the goalkeeper.

There are certain qualities of football we cannot be teaching at international level, and we will go back and scout a few more players in preparation for the 2019 U20 COSAFA Cup.

We brought in some very young players between the age of 15 and 16, but I believe we need to use the upcoming SAFA Interprovincial Tournaments to look for players who are a bit more mature, have better decision making and players who do not throw in the towel after losing balls,” said Botes.

South Africa will now play China on Friday, 10 May 2019 in the last match of the Chinese U-19 International Women’s Tournament before embarking on their long journey back to South Africa on Saturday morning.

This match will be played at 19h35 local time (SA time 13h35).

South African starting XI: Leigh Brophy (GK) (Ramaisa 84’),Tyler-Bree Joss, Noxolo Cesane, Morongwa Manamela (c); Sarah Walker, Oratile Mokwena, Jessica Wade (Vilakazi 84’), Sinoxolo Cesane (O’Malley 50’), Annah Queen Mokgatha (Mphigalale 37’), Christy Noble (Macomo 37’), Chelsea Daniels

South African substitutes:Ntabiseng Ramaisa, Shakira O’Malley, Kaylyn Jordaan, Mpho Seabi, Shannon Macomo, Zethembiso Vilakazi, Nicole Michael, Surprise  Mphigalale

Unavailable:Kaydee Windvogel