Banyana Banyana defeated Ghana 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out in their friendly international in Dobsonville on Wednesday.
In front of an enthusiastic crowd at Dobsonville Stadium, celebrating Human Rights Day, the teams were locked at 1-1 after regulation time, as Banyana geared up their final preparations for the London Olympics in July.
Ghanaian captain Florence Okoe had a spot kick saved by Thoko Mndaweni, and the Banyana shot stopper sealed the win with the final penalty strike.
South Africa converted all five of their penalties through Noko Matlou, Leandra Smeda, Nomathemba Ntsibande, Janine van Wyk and Mndaweni.
It had not been an impressive display, however, for the first-time Olympians who were poor in the first half, playing against the wind in overcast conditions.
In the second period, they were guilty of missing a host of chances that should have seen them bury the West Africans.
The hosts took the lead with a 21st-minute penalty from striker Matlou after a Ghanaian defender handled in the box.
Equaliser
It was not the best of spot kicks, however, with Ghana’s keeper, Nana Asantewaa, getting a hand to a straight shot.
Ghana replied after 55 minutes when Mercy Miles took advantage of a defensive Banyana mix-up for the equaliser.
The South Africans lacked cohesiveness in the first 45 minutes in comparison to the crisp Ghanaian side’s passing and fluidity.
Chances were few and far between, with the best coming shortly before the break from a Matlou cross on the right flank.
Andisiwe Mgcoyi inside the area, though, missed an open goal as she failed to control the ball.
The visitors’ best opportunity came from Okoe, whose shot from the edge of the box was easily held by Mndaweni in the South African goal.
Banyana started off sprightly with the wind on their side for the second stanza.
Shortly before the hour mark, a first meaningful cross from the flanks saw Matlou head narrowly wide of goal from a pinpoint Gabisile Hlumbani curler on the left side.
Ghana took the lead through Miles against the run of play, with anxiety setting in for the South Africans as chances fell for Mgcoyi and Matlou.
In the dying moments substitute Sana Mollo, Van Wyk and Matlou all fluffed opportunities before penalties decided the celebratory fixture. — Sapa