Banyana Banyana ended their debut at the Fifa Women’s World Cup without a win after suffering a 4-0 defeat to Germany in their final Group B encounter on Monday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The South African women’s national team came into this encounter without star forward Thembi Kgatlana, while they welcomed back Amanda Dlamini in goal and Nothando Vilakazi, who returned from suspension.

South Africa got off to the worse start possible when they conceded an early goal after an unmarked Melani Leupolz slotted home from close range.

Germany then doubled their lead on the half-hour mark after Sara Daebritz capitalised on a handling error from  Dlamini to find the net.

Things went from bad to worse for Banyana when they conceded a third goal five minutes before the break, when Alexander Popp rose well to head the ball home.

Desiree Ellis opted to make a double change at the start of the second half by introducing Thembi Kgatlana and Rhoda Malaudzi to replace Amanda Mthandi and Ode Fulutudilu, respectively.

Germany continued their dominance early in the second half as Lina Magull extended the lead even further from close range.

Banyana managed to carve out a chance of their own with 10 minutes left to play, but Kgatlana was unable to beat Almuth Schult in a one-on-one situation.

The Germans held on to their four-goal lead over Banyana until the final whistle. The South Africans finished bottom of the group, while Germany managed to secure top spot to book their place in the next round.