Banyana Banyana woes continue after losing third match on the trot

This was the second match between the two countries, with the first ending in a 1-1 draw in Durban shortly before the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The latest setback for the African Champions comes on the heels of back-to-back to defeats against Denmark (5-0) and England (2-1) last month.

The Reggae Girlz were playing their first international match at home since 2022 and didn’t seem troubled by a blunt South African strike force.

Jamaica opened their account through a corner kick that flew from the boot of Siobhan Wilson directly into the net in the 28^th minute.

Two more goals from Khadija Shaw in the 55^th and 83^rd minutes were enough to hand the Reggae Girlz a win in their first international at home since November 2022.

The forward was making a return to the national team after a year-long absence and continued with her fine form for Manchester City in England where she scored 22 goals in the Women’s Super League.

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Missing several key players in the team - Karabo Dhlamini, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Refiloe Jane, Thembi Kgatlana, Bambanani Mbane, Tiisetso Makhubela, Nthabiseng Majiya, among others - Banyana never looked threatening against the 42^nd world ranked side.

South Africa coach Desiree Ellis brought on some fresh legs in the second half – Nomvula Kgoale, Asanda Hadebe, Nonhlanhla Mthandi as well as two debutants, Gugu Dlamini and Shakira O’Malley replacing Amogelang Motau, Thubelihle Shamase, Antonia Maponya, Nicole Michael and Bongeka Gamede respectively.

But the move yielded no changes.

The two nations will meet again on Wednesday morning at the same venue.

Ellis is using the games the prepare the team for next year’s CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations where Banyana Banyana are the defending champions.

They have been drawn against Ghana, Mali and Tanzania in Group C.