Banyana Banyana and Sweden were forced to share the spoils after playing to a 0-0 draw in the Albertina Sisulu Centenary Challenge at Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday evening, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

Desire Ellis’ side played their first game of the year over the weekend when they fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Netherlands at the same venue as they continue their preparations for the upcoming Fifa Women’s World Cup in June.

The Swedish outfit got off to a good start and dominated proceedings in the opening exchanges of the match.

The visitors had the first chance of the game in the 15th minute when Stina Blackstenius forced Banyana keeper Andile Dlamini into making a great save to deny the forward.

At the other end, Banyana were still trying to find their rhythm in the game and were struggling to create any chances in the final third.

The home side had to wait till the half-hour mark to get their first shot at goal when Thembi Kgatlana played a good ball through to Rhoda Mulaudzi, but the forward was unable to find the net.

Kgatalana had a chance of her own moments later, but the African Player of the Year was unable to direct her strike on target.

Cajsa Andersson came to her side’s rescue in the 57th minute when she pulled off a great save to deny Kgatalana.

Banyana’s Linda Motlhalo nearly gave her side the breakthrough in the 75th minute, but she could not direct her effort on target.

The Swedes almost took the lead in the closing stages of the game, but Hanna Glas was denied by the crossbar.

Banyana could have put the game to bed in stoppage time, but Jermaine Seoposenwe could not convert her free kick, as it flew inches wide of goal.

Banyana Banyana and Sweden finished the game locked at 0-0, with the two nations sharing the spoils in Cape Town.