Banyana take many positives from defeat to Jamaica

Banyana Banyana lost their second international friendly match against Jamaica 2-3 in a five-goal thriller in Montego Bay on Monday night.

Full time score out at Montego Bay @SasolinSport @Shield_ZA@VolkswagenSA pic.twitter.com/aIRB4LPysP

— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) December 3, 2024

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

Halftime!
Sasol Banyana Banyana take a deserved 1-0 lead into the break out in Montego Bay, Jamaica.#SasolinSport#LiveTheImpossible #BanyanaBanyana pic.twitter.com/yG8EFWZakt

— Sasol in Sport (@SasolinSport) December 3, 2024

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 1-0 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.

“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.