By Michael Madyira
Banyana Banyana could not dust themselves off from the disappointment of missing out on the 2024 Olympic Games after a 1-1 draw with Senegal in an international friendly match Stade Lat Dior on Saturday.
Nthabiseng Majiya had thrust Desiree Ellis’ girls ahead in the 67th minute but Senegal denied them victory through Mbayang Sow’s stoppage-time equaliser from the penalty spot.
Although it was just a friendly match, it was failure by South Africa to at give get themselves something to cheer about after Nigeria shattered their Olympics dream back in lin April.
However, Banyana could take solace in that and fielded an almost second-string squad missing most of their top overseas-based players as Ellis tried new combinations.
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Lebohang Ramalepe captained the reigning African champions as midfielder Amogeland Motau was handed a rare start.
Both teams matched each other for the better part of the match with the hosts’ striker Mbodji Sylla Coumba causing problems for South Africa.
Motau and Noxolo Cesane also helped Banyana’s case, keeping the home side’s defenders on their feet.
Majiya then profited from a defensive lapse to punish the Teranga Lionesses and set Banyana on what looked like a winning path.
As the visitors were close to sealing victory, Ramalepe committed a foul inside the box and Sow stepped up to beat Kaylin Swart in goals for Banyana.
The two sides will clash in another friendly match at the same venue on Tuesday.
Pictured above: Banyana Banyana forward Sinoxolo Cesane challenging Senegal’s Sagna Safietou
Image source: Banyana Banyan
