Banyana Banyana knuckled under a narrow 2-1 loss against a formidable side against England in their friendly match at the Coventry Building Society Arena in England on Tuesday. 

Although they lost the game, Banyana Banyana was much better in the second half especially returnee star Themba Kgatlana, who had three one-on-ones but only scored once while the other there was a brilliant save by England goalkeeper Mary Earps.  

It was a much-improved display from Banyana Banyana, who were hammered by Denmark 5-0 on Friday.  

The improvement in Desiree Ellis’ display was due to availability of Kgatlana pup top, supported by Hildah Magaia, Noxolo Cesane, Linda Motlhalo.   

As expected, England unsurprisingly held on to the ball for the majority of the game, with Banyana looking to exploit their highline with Kgatlana’s runs behind the defense. 

England drew first blood in the 12th minute after Banyana failed to deal with a corner kick. The ball landed on the English captain’s feet, Leah Williamson who put it down the bottom corner. 

They returned in the 22nd minute to double their lead with a well-floated ball into the box meeting Manchester United’s Grace Clinton, further exposing Banyana’s struggles in the air. 

The match went into the break a 2-0, with Banyana yet to trouble the English goalkeeper. 

However, her vacation between the sticks in the second half was shot-lived as Kgatlana broke through in the 55th minute to beat Earps with a composed shot to the bottom corner. 

This trend continued for the rest of the second half as England could not deal with Kgatlana’s speed, with England’s Earps coming up trumps. 

In another broke through, Kgatlana thought she had equalised but she was flagged offside, having wheeled away to celebrate.  

This was a good test for Banyana as they put things together to prepare to defend their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations that will be held in Morocco in July next year and it is the same for England, who are preparing to defend their Women’s European Championship next year in Switzerland.