Banyana draw in final Rio clash

Cape Town - Banyana Banyana played a gutsy performance of 0-0 against Brazil in their final match of the Rio Olympic Games at a packed Amazonia Arena on Tuesday evening (Wednesday morning in South Africa).

Brazil, who is already through to the quarter-finals, couldn’t find the net thanks to brilliant saving and defence from Roxanne Barker and the team.

The match was dominated by the Brazilians as they had 65% possession over the ball, while South Africa only had 36%.

The hosts had plenty of opportunities to hit the back of the net with 25 shots on goal, but the South African defence gave a solid performance by eradicating any chance for the home side to get the scoreboard ticking.

Three yellow cards were given out during the game to Brazil’s Bruna Soares and Andressa Cavalari Machry, while South Africa’s Nothando Vilakazi also received one.

South Africa finished at the bottom of Group E, with Brazil, Peoples Republic of China and Sweden progressing to the next round.

After the match South African skipper, Janine van Wyk thanked the fans for supporting them throughout the tournament, despite their disappointing campaign.

Brazil: Bruna (C), Aline, Monica, Erika, Raquel Fernandes, Thaisa, Tamires, Debinha, Andressa Alves, Poliana, Andressa.

South Africa: Van Wyk (C), Barker, Vilakazi, Matlou, Makhabane, Seoposenwe, Jane, Smeda, Kgatlana, Malherbe, Motlhalo.

Thanks to all the support we received from people across the world in the #Rio2016 tournament. It was an amazing journey!! ???

— Janine Van Wyk (@Janinevanwyk5) August 10, 2016