Banyana Banyana’s tour of the US has come to a disappointing end after South Africa’s national women’s team lost their second friendly match.
Banyana were beaten 2-0 in Chicago on Sunday night.
The result means that Banyana failed to score a single goal and conceded five goals in a space of two days. This after they lost 3-0 in their opening match early on Friday morning.
Even so, Banyana coach Desiree Ellis said she is proud of how her charges conducted themselves against a side ranked third in the world.
“I thought all round we played really well,” Ellis told Safa media.
“There was a short turnaround time for some [players], bringing in players who are maybe not used to the system, but we wanted to test them.
“Overall, it was a brave performance by the team. I thought we played well, and I am proud of them because it was a big occasion for the US.
“The magnitude of Megan Rapinoe [USA star] retiring [farewell match] played a huge role. But I am really excited for the future.”
Ellis made a couple of changes from the team that started the first game at the TQL Stadium on Friday, which saw Andile Dlamini replacing Kaylin Swart between the sticks.
It was an emotional moment for women’s football activist and US all-time great Rapinoe, who announced recently that she will be hanging up her boots at the end of the National Women’s Soccer League in November.
Rapinoe started the game but was substituted in the 54th minute. She walked off the pitch to a rousing standing ovation from the crowd, as she bowed out of the international scene in style.
Goals from Trinity Rodman in the 18th minute and Emily Sonnet in the opening stages of the second-half, thanks to a Rapinoe well-worked corner kick, were enough to conclude USA’s double header against Banyana on a high.
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