Banyana Banyana have lost the first of two international friendlies against Jamaica at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, overnight on Friday, 29 November, 2024.
A wonder goal by Siobhan Wilson and a brace from Khadija Shaw saw the Sasol-sponsored South African Senior Women’s National Team lose the match 3-nil to the hosts.
“I believe the girls did very well under the circumstances.”
Banyana Banyana Head Coach, Dr Desiree Ellis
The 42nd-ranked Jamaica employed a long-ball attacking strategy, placing the ball behind South Africa’s defenders for the home team’s forwards to run onto, a gameplan which regularly saw the visitors scrambling in defence.
Their lancing attacks won a 28th min corner, from which Siobhan Wilson scored a majestic Olimpico from the corner flag, her shot sailing over all attackers and defenders and past a wrong-footed Andile Dlamini to curl neatly into the far top corner for the opening goal of the match.
Undeterred, the goal emboldened the visitors, and Banyana Banyana were directly on the attack again after the setback, but their presses forward were defeated time again by the home defenders, who saw out the first passage of play to maintain their 1-nil lead at halftime.
The 50th-ranked Banyana Banyana started the second half with renewed energy despite the oppressive heat and humidity, continuing in their search for an equaliser.
Playing with a confidence which surpassed their 42nd-place world ranking, the Reggae Girlz continued to place a firm dampener on the South African, who’s best efforts brought no relief.
So this 3-0 win for the Reggae Girlz against South Africa is Hubert Busby's first win as head coach since taking over the squad earlier this year. Two 4-0 losses to Brazil and a 3-0 loss to France preceded this game under his tenure. Hopefully, it continues to go onwards and upwards from here.
— 🇯🇲 Yardie Ball 🇯🇲 (@yardieball.bsky.social) 30 November 2024 at 05:15
Just when it appeared that they might break through to gain a foothold, Jamaica added another two sumptuous goals off the boot of Khadija Shaw, who calmly slotted an attacking assist and a perfectly-weighted through-ball to seal a deserved win in the opening fixture of the twin friendlies.
Ellis said her team gave a good account of themselves in the first half of the match, even though travel fatigue eventually caught up with them. “We also need to make better decisions in the final third. Once again, we could test some players, and later the fatigue of travel and jet lag set in.”
“We have another two days before the second match, so we will analyse this game, allow the players to get a bit more rest, and look at what we can do better in our second match.”
The two teams will meet again on Monday, 2 December 2024, to complete this friendly international series that both nations are using as part of their preparations for tournaments to be played in 2025, in their respective continents.
The Banyana Banyana Team Starting XI for First International Friendly against Jamaica, in Montego Bay on 29 November, 2024
16 Andile Dlamini
2 Lebohang Ramalepe
3 Bongeka Gamede
4 Lonathemba Mhlongo
6 Noxolo Cesane
8 Antonia Maponya
10 Linda Motlhalo
15 Thubelihle Shamase
19 Kholosa Biyana
20 Nicole Michael
22 Amogelang Motau
Jamaica Starting XI
1 Liya Brook
12 Siobhan Wilson
5 Konya Plummer
17 Allyson Swaby
4 Chantelle Swaby
6 Jade Bailey
8 Drew Spence
20 Atlanta Primus
14 Deneisha Blackwood
10 Jody Brown
11 Khadija Shaw
Main Photo Caption: The South African Senior Women’s National Team lost the first of two international friendlies against the Reggae Girlz at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Jamaica, on Friday, 29 November, 2024. All Photos: SAFA
Photo 2 Caption: A wonder goal by Siobhan Wilson and a brace from Khadija Shaw saw the African champions lose the match 3-nil to the hosting Reggae Girlz.
Photo 3 Caption: Coach Dr Desiree Ellis is undeterred by the result of the friendly, which both teams are using as preparations for their respective 2025 season fixtures
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