Banyana hold Sweden to a goalless draw
Banyana Banyana and Sweden played to a goalless draw in the Albertina Sisulu Centenary Challenge match, at the Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Linda Motlhalo of South Africa challenged by Hanna Glas of Sweden during the International Women Friendly match between South Africa and Sweden 22 January 2019 at Cape Town Stadium Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
Going into the match off the back of Saturday’s 2-1 international friendly defeat against the Netherlands at the same venue, 48th-ranked Banyana Banyana did well to hold their own against 9th-in-the-world Sweden in the first half.
Minus their injured skipper Janine van Wyk (groin strain), fellow defender Karabo Dhlamini (foot injury) and defender Busisiwe Ndumeni (calf strain), the hosts did well in the middle of the park with skipper Refiloe Jane and Mamello Makhabane in fine form.
When CAF African Women’s Player of the Year, Thembi Kgatlana, found space upfront, the Swedish defence were quick to steer her away from the danger area near goalkeeper Catrine Johansson.
At the other end of the park, Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini was in impressive form amid a barrage of onslaughts on her goal by the Swedish strikers.
Dlamini found herself well beaten by a thunderous shot by striker Hanna Glas in the 81st minute, only for the South Africans to be saved by the crossbar.
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