Banyana Banyana lost 3-0 to USA in their third meeting at the TQL stadium in Cincinnati on Friday morning.
Lynn Williams, one of the two changes in the US side from the team that lost to Sweden at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, scored a brace in the first half, with Trinity Rodman scoring the other one as the hosts stamped authority over their visitors.
Banyana had enjoyed a good start to the game with the likes of Thembi Kgatlana getting chances to open the scoring however South Africa’s final touch wasn’t always best.
Lebogang Ramalepe also had an attempt from range that missed the top corner before the American goals.
Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis had made three changes to the starting XI that was defeated by the Netherlands in the last 16 round of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, with Tiisetso Makhubela, Gabriela Salgado and Noxolo Cesane starting the game.
For the USA the match also served as a farewell event for Julie Ertz who was subbed in the 34th minute after announcing her retirement in August. USA’s first two goals came in quick succession in the 31st and 34th minute, with the first coming following a corner, while the second was scored following a brilliant quick passing play.
The home side added a fourth before the break, with Banyana conceding their second following a corner.
After the break, the intensity visibly dropped with the game disrupted by several substitutions, which saw Sinoxolo Cesane, the twin sister of Noxolo Cesane, make her official debut after coming off the bench in the 88th minute.
The two sides will meet again in the second friendly in Chicago in two days.
