Coach Ellis Impressed after Banyana Banyana Hold their Own ...
Banyana Banyana lost their second away international friendly match against England 1-2, but the African champions displayed tons of character and won the admiration of the home supporters after a brave performance at Coventry in the United Kingdom on Tuesday, 29 October, 2024.
More than 24 000 fans filled the Coventry Building Society Arena and they cheered with excitement as both teams played some great football, creating several chances throughout the match.
England went into the halftime break leading 0-2 after Leah Williamson scored the opening goal of the match, in the 12th minute. The Sasol-sponsored South African Senior Women’s National Team conceded the second goal 10 minutes later when Grace Clinton headed the ball past goalkeeper Kaylin Swart.
The reigning African champions made a double substitution at halftime that saw goalkeeper Andile Dlamini come on to replace Kaylin Swart. In another substitution, Sinoxolo Cesane came off for Kholoso Biyana to give more defense and steel in midfield.
Hilda Magaia and Thembi Kgatlana combined extremely well up front to give England a few problems. The visitors finally got the breakthrough in the 72nd minute when Kgatlana collected a loose ball and went straight for goal to pull one back for coach Dr Desiree Ellis’ charges.
“There were a lot of things we didn’t do well in the match against Denmark that we rectified against England,” said South Africa coach Ellis after the match.
“We were well-organised in defence, and believe that we created a lot of chances. This match could have gone either way and we are extremely proud of our players because they matched England.” Banyana Banyana Head Coach, Dr Desiree Ellis“We are preparing for the Women’s Arica Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in 2025 and are on the right track. Yes, we have areas to work on and we are doing so by playing matches such as these two against England and Denmark.”
Banyana Banyana will make their way back to South Africa on Wednesday night and will regroup during the next FIFA window next month. They will then travel to Jamaica to play two international friendly matches against the Reggae Girlz on 29 November and 2 December, 2024.
Results and Fixtures of Banyana Banyana’s European Friendlies TourFri 25 October 2024: Denmark 5-0 Banyana Banyana (Aalborgh Stadium)Tue 29 October 2024: England 2-1 Banyana Banyana (Coventry Building Society Arena)
1 Kaylin Swart (GK)2. Lebohang Ramalepe6. Noxolo Cesane7. Karabo Dhlamini8. Hildah Magaia10. Linda Motlhalo11. Thembi Kgatlana (C)12. Sinoxolo Cesane13. Bambanani Mbane17. Tisetso Makhubela22. Amogelang Motau
Bench
3. Nondumiso Manengela4. Lonathemba Mhlongo9. Sphumele Shamase 14. Nonhlanhla Mthandi16. Andile Dlamini (GK)18. Sibulele Holweni19. Kholosa Biyana20. Nicole Michael21. Dineo Magagula (GK)23. Ntabiseng Majiya
Original Copy: SAFA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: A big step up by Banyana Banyana sees them earn the admiration of the twenty two-thousand strong home supporters when skipper Thembi Kgatlana clawed a goal back for a remarkable 1-2 loss to European champions England in Coventry on Tuesday, 29 October, 2024. All Photos: Supplied
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