Thembi Kgatlana of South Africa scores her team’s first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France group B match between Spain and South Africa at Stade Oceane on June 08, 2019 in Le Havre, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm/AFP
Banyana Banyana make history on first ever World Cup appearance [video]
Banyana Banyana made a determined start to their very first Women’s World Cup match with Thembi Kgatlana netting a sensational goal.
Thembi Kgatlana of South Africa scores her team’s first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France group B match between Spain and South Africa at Stade Oceane on June 08, 2019 in Le Havre, France. (Photo by Alex Grimm/AFP
Banyana Banyana made their Fifa Women’s World Cup debut against the more fancied Spain side in Le Havre on Saturday.
South Africa’s Women’s side qualified for the showpiece for the first time after they finished as runners-up in the 2018 AWCON.
Here we see the moment that Banyana Banyana stepped out onto the pitch for the first time in an historic moment for South African football.
South Africa soaked up a lot of early pressure from Spain while looking to catch the Europeans on the counter.
A Spanish error allowed Thembi Kgatlana to get a sight of goal and she hit a delightful chip to make more history as the first goalscorer for her country in the Women’s World Cup.
Banyana became the first African side to score first against European opposition at a Women’s World Cup since 1995.
The South African defence suffered through some nervy moments early on but Spain lacked precision in the final third even though they had most of the ball.
Desiree Ellis’ team had been largely written off ahead of the tournament after failing to win in ten matches since qualifying. Banyana were hammered 7-2 by Norway in their final warm-up game but Ellis managed to instill confidence in her charges and they were able to take a 1-0 lead into half-time.
South Africa are drawn against Spain, China and Germany in a tough Group B of the Women’s World Cup.
Spain enjoyed nearly two-thirds of possession in the first half but Banyana showed great energy and hustle to keep their shots on target down to just three from the Europeans.
Banyana registered just one shot on target in the first half but it was that one shot that made all the difference as it found its way into the back of the Spanish net.
Sapin had more of the ball but the threat of the South African pace was ever-present and set up a fascinating second half.
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