Banyana fall to Netherlands

Two first-half goals helped the Netherlands beat South Africa 2-1 in the Winnie Mandela International Challenge women's match played at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

Thembi Kgatlana managed to grab a consolation goal for the host nation.

The home side was stunned in the second minute when Sherida Spitse was given space to shoot, and she made no mistake as she gave the visitors the lead.

The Netherlands increased their lead in the 19th minute, through Vivienne Miedema with a low shot that beat Kaylin Swart in goals. Banyana Banyana pulled a goal back when Kgatlana beat the offside trap in the 33rd minute, beating Dutch keeper and captain Sari van Veenendaal to reduce the deficit.

Captain Janine van Wyk limped off the field early in the second stanza and was replaced by Noko Matlou in a forced change.

Despite the defeat, it was a much-improved performance from South Africa, and certainly a good start to their World Cup preparations.

Banyana next face Sweden on Tuesday, also at the Cape Town Stadium in the Albertina Sisulu Centenary Challenge.

-NAMPA/ANA