WAFCON Reality Check: Elite Japan Overwhelms Banyana In Osaka Rout
Banyana Banyana suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Japan in an international friendly at Yanmar Hanasaka Stadium on Saturday as they continued their preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The South African senior women’s national team is using the tour to fine-tune its preparations for WAFCON, which will be held in Morocco in July. Coach Desiree Ellis’ side has been drawn in Group B alongside Burkina Faso, Tanzania, and Côte d’Ivoire, with their opening match against Tanzania scheduled for 5 July.
Banyana faced a formidable Japanese side featuring several players who ply their trade in England’s top flight. Ten of Japan’s 11 starters represent major clubs, including Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, and Brighton & Hove Albion.
In contrast, Banyana had just one overseas-based player in their starting line-up, Linda Motlhalo, while experienced stars Thembi Kgatlana and Bongeka Gamede began the match on the bench.
Japan signalled their intent from the opening whistle and took the lead inside the first minute through Kiko Seike, whose right-footed effort from the centre of the box found the back of the net. Seike doubled the advantage in the 20th minute with another right-footed finish from a difficult angle on the right.
The struggles continued for the 2022 African champions as Japan added a third goal in the 30th minute through Momoko Tanikawa, whose powerful strike from outside the box gave goalkeeper Andile Dlamini no chance.
Banyana’s difficulties persisted after the break, with the hosts extending their lead through Aoba Fujino, who scored with a right-footed effort from the centre of the box to make it 4-0. Ten minutes later, Fujino completed her brace with a left-footed finish from close range, increasing Japan’s advantage to 5-0.
Japan continued to dominate in the closing stages as Banyana struggled to create meaningful opportunities, and the match eventually ended in a comprehensive 5-0 victory for the hosts.
Following the defeat, Banyana Banyana will face Japan again on Tuesday at the same venue in their final friendly of the tour.
