After playing to a 2-2 draw with Finland in their opening Group A and then succumbing to a heavy 4-1 defeat to North Korea on Friday, Desiree Ellis’ ladies put up a brave performance in their final round robin match against the Czech Republic.
Determined to get their first victory in the competition, Banyana took the lead in the 17th minute through midfielder Mamello Makhabane, who was set up by Linda Motlhalo. It’s a lead Banyana would take into half-time, but they could not hold on for the victory in the second half.
Czech Republic bounced back with goals in the final 10 minutes of the game to secure their second victory in the competition, after beating Finland 2-1 on Friday.
Thembi Kgatlana came on in the second half to make her 50th appearance for the senior women’s team.
The three group matches would no doubt have given Ellis an idea of how much work they still need to do before the FIFA World Cup, set to be played in France from June 7 to July 7.