Basetsana stunned the vastly experienced German U20 World Champions and current European Champions with a 1-1 draw in Wolfsburg today the 22nd of November 2007. The SA goal was scored by Lucinda Bowers who broke through the German defence and dribbled the ball into the net.
The game was played before 5000 spectators on a cold morning at 11am. The SA team led by Gloria Thato held off a number of attacks by the taller, stronger and more physical German team in the first half.
A late foray in the first half saw the Germans take the lead one minute before the halftime whistle. Mandy de Arouja stood firm in the goals, coming out quickly to collect the long shots at goal.
In the second half the SA team were more confidant and launched a number of attacks from the midfield, displaying great dribbling skills and fine technique and combination play.
This resulted in a goal by Lucinda Bowers that stunned the Germans. The pitch was soft and muddy due to previous rainfalls, but the girls managed to stay on their feet.
Key players were defenders Gloria Thato, Marry Ntsweng, Bonolo Molete and Nothando Vilikazi. In the midfield the combination between Memory Makhanya and Tina Selepe created a number of scoring chances with penetrating passes. Team SA kept good possession in the midfield and often beat the Germans with skillful dribbling and quick one two’s.
This was a superb start for the young SA team who have never played an International friendly at this level, and bodes well for their World Cup qualifiers, which start in January 2008.
“We are so delighted with this result” said Team Manager Fran Hilton-Smith. “The young girls played with big hearts and were not intimidated in any way by a team that was so superior and experienced in many ways. They showed great skill and determination and it bodes well for our world cup qualification campaign. The German team was devastated.”
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