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.
