Banyana Banyana suffered a 3-2 defeat to Serbia in an international friendly in Pazova on Monday afternoon.
Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis made some changes to the side that started against Slovenia in the Turkish Cup.
Noko Matlou who was in the starting 11 in that game, had to withdraw from the squad altogether after picking an injury with her club Eibar in Spain, while Bambanani Mbane, Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe returned to the line-up.
Violeta Slovic put the host ahead as early as the eighth minute with Milica Mijatovic doubling the lead in the 16th minute. Serbia continued their early dominance and were rewarded with the third goal through Jovana Damnjanovic in the 22nd minute.
The African champions needed a long time to get into the game and in the 29th minute Hildah Magaia came close following a pass from Jermaine Seoposenwe but missed the target.
The persistence paid off two minutes later as the Limpopo born star pulled one back for the visitors.
In the second half Magaia had another shot at goal but was once more off target in the 52nd minute.
Ellis brought on Gabriela Salgado for Noxolo Cesane in the 57th which saw South Africa start to push forward more.
Seoposenwe reduced the deficit to 3-2 in the 79th minute and despite the momentum the team build for the remainder of the game they still lost.
South Africa were using the friendly against the 35th ranked team in the FIFA ranking as part of preparations for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
