Banyana Banyana suffered a disappointing 3-1 loss to Spain in their Fifa Women’s World Cup opener on Saturday despite a brave display.

South Africa came into their first ever World Cup encounter with no pressure with qualification itself considered a success already.

Spain on the other hand were the heavy favourites and the pressure would have been on to get off to a good start in a tough group which also includes China and Germany.

The Spanish side started on the front foot and placed Banyana under early pressure when Andile Dlamini was forced into a smart save after Mariona let fly just outside the box in the sixth minute.

The South Africans though did well to keep their shape and hold off their opposition while looking to hit on the counter. Desiree Ellis’ side then had their first sighter at goal in the 16th minute when Nothando Vilakazi’s free-kick deflected just over the crossbar.

Then in the 26th minute South Africa broke the deadlock, scoring their first ever World Cup goal. It was their star forward Thembi Kgatlana pick the ball up outside the box before curling her effort into the top corner leaving Spanish goalkeeper Sandra Panos stranded.

Spain then looked to push forward in search of a leveller but Dlamini was on her toes to produce another flying save on the stroke of half time to keep her team 1-0 up at the break.

The South Africans were under the pump from the onset in the second half and Ellis brought on defensive midfielder Busisiwe Ndimeni in place of attacker Linda Motlhalo to help in their defensive effort.

Spain though were handed a way back into the game when the referee adjudged captain Janine Van Wyk to have handled inside the area and pointed to the spot. Hermoso kept her cool and slotted past Dlamini to level matters in the 69th minute.

Disaster then struck eight minutes before time when Banyana conceded another controversial penalty when Nothando Dlamini caught Lucia Garcia on her groin with the follow through from a clearance, she received her second yellow card and therefore sent off after consultation with VAR where a penalty was also awarded.

Hermoso stepped up to double her tally and give Spain the lead.

The Europeans then sealed matters in the 89th minute when Garcia went through on the break before rounding Dlamini and tapping home into an empty net.
3-1 the final score as a brave Banyana suffer defeat in their first ever Fifa Women’s World Cup game.