Banyana Banyana suffered their second successive defeat at the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup after their 1-0 loss to China at the Parc des Princes on Thursday evening, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The South African Women’s national team came into this encounter off the back of a 3-1 defeat to Spain in their opening Group B match at the Stade Oceane on 8 June.

Meanwhile, China also suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Germany in their opening fixture at the Roazhon Park.

The two sides last met in a competitive match at the 2016 Rio Olympics, with the Chinese coming out on top after claiming a 2-0 victory on that occasion.

China got off to a good start and showed their intent early on, but were unable to retain their composure in the final third.

Desiree Ellis’ charges began to find their rhythm after 20 minutes, but were finding it hard to create any clear-cut chances in the Chinese’s defensive half.

However, the Steel Roses then broke the deadlock five minutes later when Li Ying volleyed the ball home after latching on to a cross from Zhang Rui.

With three minutes remaining in the first half, Yi Ling nearly doubled China’s lead when her shot hit the underside of the crossbar.

Banyana looked to get back into the game in the second half, but found it hard to bypass the Steel Roses’ defence.

Ellis opted to make her first change when she introduced Jermaine Seoposenwe to replace Ode Fulutudil in midfield.

South Africa thought they should have been awarded a penalty with 15 minutes left to play after Thembi Kgatlana’s shot appeared to hit Wu Haiyan on her arm inside the area, but the referee waved play on without consulting the  Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.

Han Peng should have doubled China’s lead in the 86th minute but Katlin Swart produced a great save to deny her before making another save moments later to kept out Yang Li’s goal-bound effort.

Banyana were unable to find an equalising goal in the closing stage of the game as China held on to claim their first win in Group B, while South Africa remain at the foot of the group without any points.