Banyana Banyana will be looking for their first win over the USA when the two sides meet in the first of two back-to-back international friendlies in Cincinnati on Friday morning.
The Americans were victorious when these nations met in July 2016 and May 2019, winning 1-0 and 3-0, respectively.
The friendlies are the first official business for both teams after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where Banyana made history by reaching the knockout stages.
In fact, they got knocked out at the same stage as the US, who were beaten Banyana’s group opponents Sweden on penalties.
South Africa has had to travel with a smaller team after some players withdrew for medical reasons and injuries, but the team has trained and gelled well through the week.
Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has spoken about the matches being used to try and widen the pool of the team, while also having the upcoming Olympic qualifiers in mind as well.
Meanwhile, the hosts will use the friendly as a farewell match for the two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion Julie Ertz, who announced her retirement in August.
Here is how they line up:
USA XI: Naeher, Girma, Williams, Ertz, Horan, Cook, Morgan, Sonnett, Dunn, Fox, Rodman
Subs: Murphy, Kingsbury, Sanchez, Vignola, Hatch, Thompson, Davidson, Sullivan, Krueger, DeMelo, Shaw, Coffey
Banyana XI: Swart, Ramalepe, Makhubela, Gamede, Dhlamini, Biyana, Mothlalo, Salgado, N. Cesane, Seoposenwe, Kgatlana
Subs: Dlamini, Owusu, Magama, S. Cesane, Mhlongo, Kgadiete, Moeletsane, Moodaly, Kgoale, Shongwe
