Banyana Banyana arrive with song and dance, but Netherlands claim stunning victory

In the lead up to the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations in July, Banyana Banyana are getting their ducks in a row for the prestigious tournament that will take place in Morocco.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) locked in an international friendly against the fifth-best ranking team in the world – the Netherlands – to help Desiree Ellis' charges prepare.

Banyana arrived at the Kyocera Stadium on Tuesday evening with a song and dance ahead of the fixture.

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However, South Africa was taught a great deal by the end of the 90 minutes, as the Netherlands inflicted a 5-1 defeat in front of strong home support.

Banyana were without their captain and AC Milan midfielder, Refiloe Jane, as she continues to come back from injury. Thembi Kgatlana, who plays for Atletico Madrid, wore the armband for the international friendly.

As early as the 12th minute, the Dutch showed their class as Jackie Groenen delivered a stunning strike that hit the crossbar before rattling the back of the net to give the home side the lead.

Soon after, Kgatlana pulled one back for the visitors with a calm finish in the bottom right corner, but it was short-lived as Lineth Beerensteyn, and Vivianne Miedema scored to give the Leeuwinnen a 3-1 lead at half-time.

South Africa had a chance to get back into the match early in the second stanza via Kgatlana, but Linda Motlhalo was off target before South Africa received a penalty.

However, Noko Matlou failed to deliver from the spot as goalkeeper Sari Van Veenendaal easily saved her effort.

The Netherlands extended their lead as Damaris Egurrola scored a brace in the final 15 minutes to take the Dutch record to three victories against Banyana.