South Africa’s courageous 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup run came to end after losing 2-0 to the Netherlands in the last 16 round in Sidney on Sunday.
Jill Roord’s ninth minute header from a corner and Lineth Beerensteyn second half goal were enough to see the 2019 finalists through in a tightly contested affair.
The first half was a costly one to the African champions, who were already without captain Refiloe Jane and now also lost midfielder Jermaine Seoposenwe and defender Bambanani “Juice” Mbane to injury.
Youngster Wendy Shongwe was brought in as Seoposenwe’s replacement and Tiisetso Makhubela for her club teammate.
The Dutch’s lead did not rattle South Africa with Kaylin Swart called to make a couple of key saves keeping Esmee Rugts and Sherida Spitse at bay. Thembi Kgatlana’s pace was a thorn in the Dutch defense, however, she missed chances to level for Banyana with a wide shot in the 35th minute and even twice in injury time of the first half.
There were no changes in the second half from both sides but the Dutch were in much more control of the game after the break and Beerensteyn could have extended the lead for Holland.
In the 54th minute Beerensteyn found Lieke Martens who netted but the goal was ruled offside by VAR.
Beerensteyn’s persistence was rewarded in the 67th minute when Swart conceded a howler as Netherlands extended the lead to 2-0. Linda Motlhalo could have pulled one back five minutes later but the Dutch keeper made a save.
Banyana bow out of the tournament, having collected their first-ever point, first-ever win and making the knockout stages for the first time.
Credit IDISKI TIMES
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