Banyana Banyana regained yards of moral ground with a fine performance in their final international friendly against Jamaica, despite losing the second encounter 2-3 in a five-goal thriller in Montego Bay in St James, Jamaica overnight on Monday

Banyana Banyana regained yards of moral ground with a fine performance in their final international friendly against Jamaica, despite losing the second encounter 2-3 in a five-goal thriller at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in St James, Jamaica, on Monday, 2 December 2024.

The two away matches against the Jamaicans were the last of the year for coach Dr Desiree Ellis’ team as they continue preparing for their defense of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) next year.

The Sasol-sponsored South African Senior Women’s National Team took the lead after Linda Motlhalo converted a team effort goal in the 19th minute of the match. The visitors, who had a great first half, went into the break with a 1-nil lead.

The South Africans’ defence managed to contain Jamaican superstar Khadija Shaw throughout the match as the Reggae Girlz only managed to score the equalizer in the 58th minute after she was taken off.

Vyan Sampson found the back of net after commotion in the Banyana Banyana area led to the equalizer. Jamaica got their second goal in the 63rd minute when Drew Spence found the back of the net.

The Reggae Girlz went 3-1 up in the 76th minute when McKenna converted after a defensive error by the visitors’ defence.

Amogelang Motau benefited from an error by the Jamaican goalkeeper in the referee’s optional time to pull one back for the visitors.

 “We played the way we wanted to play, and although we did not have a striker, because of late changes, I believe the players did very well today.” said Dr Ellis.

“We knew that Jamaica would be physical and come at us, but we changed to play our tactics to suite this match. Our players kept the shape of the team, dominated the play upfront and our defenders did really well despite us conceding,” said Dr Ellis.

Banyana Banyana will make their long journey back to South Africa Tuesday afternoon and are expected to arrive back in the country on Thursday evening, 5 December 2024.

The Banyana Banyana Team Starting XI for Second International Friendly against Jamaica, in Montego Bay on Monday, 2 December, 2024

1 Kaylin Swart (GK)
2 Lebohang Ramalepe (C)
3 Bongeka Gamede
4 Lonathemba Mhlongo
6 Noxolo Cesane
8 Antonia Maponya
10 Linda Motlhalo
14 Nomvula Kgoale
7 Gugu Dlamini
15 Thubelihle Shamase
18 Shakira O’Malley

Jamaica Starting XI

23 Liya Brook
2 Naya Cardoza
5 Konya Plummer
17 Allyson Swaby
4 Chantelle Swaby
4 Vyan Sampson
8 Drew Spence
20 Atlanta Primus
7 Shania Hayles
10 Jody Brown
11 Khadija Shaw


Original Copy: SAFA, with editing by gsport

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 Monday, 2 December, 2024. All Photos: SAFA

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