Banyana Banyana fall to USA defeat in friendly

Banyana Banyana suffered a 3-0 loss to the US in the first of the two friendly games played at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Friday.

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The opening minutes of the game saw Banyana play with some flair and confidence against the former world champions.

Banyana managed to exchange the ball nicely between each other, while creating a couple of attacks using Thembi Kgatlana and Jermaine Seoposenwe’s pace, but the forwards attempts at goals weren’t fruitful

Lebogang Ramalepe also tried a long range shot in the 22^nd minute, but it went just wide pf goals.

The US scored two quick goals just after the half-hour mark. Lynn Williams opening the scoring in the 32nd minute before Trinity Rodman followed with the second just two minutes later.

Banyana now had a mountain to climb, with the hosts now enjoying the lead and enjoying possession.

The South Africans started to get frustrated as a few players got booked, and the US managed to score the third goal with Williams grabbing a brace just before half-time.

Banyana were eager to fight their way back into the match, with captain Kgatlana continuing to cause problems for the US defence with her pace.

The South African skipper made some good runs on the right side of their attack, but all her crosses failed to find her teammates, with the US managing to clear the danger.

With over 60 minutes played, there was still no goals in the second period from both ends.

Banyana coach Desiree Ellis brought in some fresh legs as Banyana try to find goals, while the defence and keeper Kaylin Swart made sure no more goals would get in.

However, time was not on the visitors side, as the US remained solid at the back.

Ellis and her Banyana charges will be looking for a better performance in the second friendly match which will be played at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sunday.