6th August, 2023
South Africa bow out of the 2023 Women’s World Cup on Sunday after Netherlands stopped its historic first foray into the knockout stages with a 2-0 victory.
Banyana Banyana were put on the back foot early in the game after a poor clearing in the 9th minute allowed Jill Roord an easy header into an open net.
Despite this blow, the South Africans fought on and had numerous chances.
Captain Thembi Kgatlana was particularly dangerous, launching three efforts on goal only to be stopped by a string of superb saves from Dutch custodian Daphne van Domselaar.
Their fate was decided in the 68th minute, when Lineth Beerensteyn’s easily saveable strike slid through Kaylin Swart’s hands.
South Africa coach Desiree Ellis believes Banyana Banyana might have defeated the Netherlands if they had taken their chances.
Speaking with reporters, she said “We felt we could have won this game and if I look back, we should have done with the opportunities that we had,”.
“But, as always, if you don’t take the chances then that’s what happens.
“With a decision or a goal here or there, we could be speaking differently now, but I think the whole of South Africa should be really proud of this team.”
“I think I’m more disappointed than anything.
“I think as a group, we need to hold our heads up high. When we qualified for the last 16, the whole country went crazy and I’m expecting them to go crazy when we get back.
“This team really punched above their weight considering that we do not have what everybody else has – a professional league.”