Banyana lose to Brazil
Banyana Banyana went down 3-2 to 2010 World Military Games champions Selecao do Marinha on their tour of South America in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Saturday.
The South African women's team, however, showed character in the second half after the hosts led 3-1 at halftime.
Banyana coach Joseph Mkhonza made eight changes to the starting line-up from the side that beat Cepe Caxias 1-0 on Tuesday in order to give all the travelling players game time.
"We are not happy with the loss, and in fact we could have at the very least shared the spoils, we had enough scoring opportunities to have won the match," said Mkhonza.
"But the exercise was important in allowing us to try out strategic combinations on this South American tour."
Midfielder Nomathemba Ntsibande scored for the visitors in the 35th minute after playing a superb one-two pass movement with striker Zanele Sukazi.
Second half substitute Gabisile Hlumbane scored her first goal for the women's national team when she finished off a cross from the right-hand side in the 78th minute.
The Banyana side looked a much more competitive outfit in the second half when the coach introduced captain and midfielder Amanda Dlamini, midfielders Memory Makhanya and Nocawe Skiti and tall striker Andiswe Mgcoyi.
The South Africans could have shared the result had striker Noko Matlou found the back of the net from the penalty spot early in the second half after she was brought down in the penalty area.
From the spot-kick she saw her effort saved by the goalkeeper, while the second chance from the rebound hit the cross bar before the ball was cleared to safety.
"I am happy with the performance of the girls who are improving with every match," Mkhonza said.
"These are the kind of challenges we need so we can rectify our mistakes long before we get to London."
The team will play their final match of their South American tour on Wednesday against Brazilian club side Vasco da Gama, before flying to Europe on Thursday to compete in the 12-nation Cyprus Women's Cup.