Banyana Banyana’s Olympic hopes suffered a setback on Friday as Shiwe Nogwanya was ruled out of the remainder of the games with an ankle injury. 

Nogwanya suffered the injury in Banyana Banyana’s opening game of the tournament against Sweden as she lasted 40 minutes before being replaced by Linda Motlhalo.

Following scans, it has been ruled that the striker will be unfit for the remainder of the tournament.

The injury leaves coach Vera Pauw with a predicament as she will need to shuffle the squad for South Africa’s next match against China, which is set to take place on Saturday, August 6.

China were beaten comprehensively by Brazil 3-0 in their opening game meaning Banyana will be eager to take the full three points from the crucial tie.

‘We did really well against Sweden but we were gutted to concede that goal,’ Banyana goalkeeper Roxanne Barker told Safa.net.

‘The only positive is that the performance on that day will surely give us the needed boost to face China with a lot more confidence,’ she added.

The goalkeeper is confident the football being played by the side is steadily improving while she is also weary of the side’s final game of the group against Brazil.

South Africa’s match against China will be live from midnight SA time.