4 March 2019 – Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana have suffered their second loss in a row at the 2019 Cyprus Women’s Cup.

Playing with ten players, the Czech Republic came back from a goal down to win 2-1.

The match took place on Monday, 4 March 2019 at the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium in Larnaca.

Head coach Desiree Ellis had made four changes to the starting line-up, and they seemed to be making a huge difference as Banyana Banyana had their better starts in the tournament.

It came as no surprise when in the 17^thminute Linda Motlhalo passed the ball to an on-running Mamello Makhabane who made no mistake to slot the ball home and take a 1-0 lead.

The Czech Republic was reduced to 10 players when Jarchovska Andre was red carded for a dangerous tackle on Refiloe Jane.

The second half was completely different affair for Banyana Banyana with a heavy downpour at the restart.

This gave the Czech Republic the upper hand as they thrived in wet conditions, with South Africa struggling.

In the 60^thminute the Europeans could have scored when goalkeeper Andile Dlamini failed to control a back pass but Banyana Banyana survived.

Ellis made changes – bringing on Thembi Kgatlana for Amanda Mthandi, Nothando Vilakazi for Rhoda Mulaudzi, Molatelo Sebata for Makhabane and Busisiwe Ndimeni for Motlhalo.

This was Kgatlana’s 50^thappearance for South Africa.

With rain coming down heavy, the South Africans failed to keep up and the Czech Republic could have scored at least two more but Banyana Banyana were rescued by the crossbar on those occasions, with Dlamini and her defence also playing a key role in denying them.

But the camel’s back was finally broken in the 81^stminute following relentless pressure, and it was 1-1.

Eight minutes later they found their second to make it 2-1 and condemn Banyana Banyana to their second loss in a row in the tournament, following the 4-1 defeat to Korea DPR.

This is how they lined up:

South Africa vs Czech Republic (4 March 2019 – Cyprus Cup) 

Andile Dlamini (GK), Lebohang Ramalepe, Leandra Smeda, Bambanani Mbane, Janine van Wyk (c), Linda Motlhalo (Busisiwe Ndimeni), Refiloe Jane, Mamello Makhabane (Molatelo Sebata), Kholosa Biyana, Amanda Mthandi (Thembi Kgatlana), Rhoda Mulaudzi (Nothando Vilakazi)

Subs:

Kaylin Swart (GK), Victoria Muroa (GK), Noko Matlou, Nothando Vilakazi, Tiisetso Makhubela, Busisiwe Ndimeni, Karabo Dhlamini, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Molatelo Sebata, Thembi Kgatlana, Nompumelelo Nyandeni

Not in Match-Day squad:

Koketso Tlailane (injured)

Coach: Desiree Ellis

Czech Republic:

Pizlova Ivana (GK), Sedlackova Nikola, Buzkova Katerina, Bartonova Eva, Martinkova Lucie (c), Martinkova Irena, Dubcova Michaela, Vystejnova Petra, Nepokojova Pavlina, Jarchovska Andrea, Velesa Denisa

Subs:

Ruzickova Barbora (GK), Vanickova Alexandra (GK), Dedinova Aneta, Bertholdova Petra, Vonkova Lucie, Janku Kristyna, Dubcova Kamila, Cahynova Klara, Starova Antonie, Szewieczkova Tereza, Chlastakova Jitka, Necidova Simona

SOURCED FROM THE SAFA WEBSITE.