Banyana schooled by Brazil as African champs learn hard lessons for World Cup

Banyana Banyana came down to earth in the most painful manner as South Africa were soundly beaten 3-0 by Brazil in an international friendly at a sparsely attended Orlando Stadium on Friday.

In a clash between the Copa American women's champions and the Women's African Cup of Nations queens, the class of the Brazilians shone through.

Brazil is ranked ninth in the world to South Africa's 54th and this big gap became prevalent throughout the game.

It was Banyana's first game since being crowned Women's Afcon champions in Morocco and the result left them with a mountain to climb in order to be ready for next year's FIFA Women's World Cup.

Brazil had the bulk of the chances, Banyana only had two half-chances as the 2-0 half-time deficit was indicative of Brazil's dominance and SA's tenacity.  

Brazil's two first-half goals from Geyse in the 42nd minute and Adriana three minutes later spoke volumes as to how Banyana simply couldn't defend the entire game.

Once Brazil got a feel of the pitch and the drastically cooler late-winter conditions, they got into their goal-hunting act.

When Adriana put a header just wide of Andile Dlamini's net in the sixth minute, the warning lights were already flashing for the hosts.

The class of Brazil immediately went for the midfield and defensive jugular. They pressed high and flooded the midfield.

Banyana, with Refiloe Jane standing her ground in the middle of the park, were equal to the task in the latter.

It was in the former department where the hosts were found wanting.

During Wafcon, only Nigeria dared to high-press Banyana into submission, but even then, they couldn't contain Banyana's silky build-ups from the back.

There were none of those luxuries in this game as Brazil, with their superior pace,