In a recent match at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Banyana Banyana faced a formidable challenge against the USA women’s national soccer team, resulting in a 3-0 defeat.
USA vs Banyana Banyana match review
Lynn Williams, who was one of the two changes in the USA side from their previous match at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, delivered a standout performance, scoring two goals in the first half. Trinity Rodman added another goal for the hosts, firmly establishing their dominance in the match.
Banyana Banyana initially showed promise with players like Thembi Kgatlana creating scoring opportunities. However, their finishing touch often eluded them. Lebogang Ramalepe attempted a long-range shot that narrowly missed the top corner of the goal before the USA managed to find the back of the net.
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Banyana Banyana’s head coach, Desiree Ellis, made three changes to the starting lineup compared to the team that faced the Netherlands in the Last 16 round of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Tiisetso Makhubela, Gabriela Salgado, and Noxolo Cesane were part of the starting lineup.
The match had additional significance for the USA team as it served as a farewell event for Julie Ertz, who announced her retirement in August. The USA secured two quick goals in the 31st and 34th minutes, the first following a corner and the second after a brilliant passing play.
The home side added a third goal before the halftime whistle, with Banyana Banyana conceding their second goal from a corner.
The intensity of the match diminished in the second half, as numerous substitutions disrupted the flow of the game. Sinoxolo Cesane, the twin sister of Noxolo Cesane, made her official debut for the team when she came off the bench in the 88th minute.
The two teams are set to face each other again in a second friendly match scheduled to take place in Chicago in the coming days.