Banyana Banyana wrap FIFA Women's World Cup preparations with win over Costa Rica

Forwards Thembi Kgatlana and Hildah Magaia netted on either side of half-time to lead the South Africans' triumph over the North Americans.

The outcome was precisely what Banyana would have wanted as they approach their opening match against Sweden on July 23, following the disruptions before their departure for New Zealand.

After an early exit from the group stage in their inaugural global appearance in 2019, coach Desiree Ellis' team is eager to showcase their improvement in Australia and New Zealand.

Having defeated Costa Rica, currently ranked 36th in the world, the 54th-ranked African champions exude confidence in Group G, alongside Sweden, Argentina, and Italy.

While Ellis will undoubtedly be pleased with the victory and clean sheet, the two goals scored by her team are a source of even greater satisfaction”during the previous World Cup in France, her team only managed one goal while conceding eight.

Credit is due to both key players, Kgatlana and Magaia, who demonstrated their readiness to leave an impact on both an individual and team level in the upcoming event.

Kgatlana made a return to the national team after enduring a severe long-term injury in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) last year.

The 27-year-old Racing Louisville FC striker marked her comeback in style, scoring Banyana's opening goal just after the half-hour mark, capitalizing on Kholosa Biyana's assist.

Even before that, Kgatlana had a golden opportunity to score, narrowly missing the target, highlighting Banyana's swift and aggressive start.

Magaia, the hero of the Women's AFCON, where her brace in the final against hosts Morocco secured Banyana's first African title, showcased her readiness for her inaugural World Cup appearance.

The Sejong Sportstoto striker sealed Banyana's victory with an impressive long-range set-piece goal in the second half, providing a significant morale boost ahead of their encounter with tournament dark horses, Sweden.

Banyana have every reason to strive for success in the World Cup, as they will also face the world's top-ranked team, the United States, in two friendlies a month after the tournament, albeit away from home.