Brave Banyana in narrow loss to China

Cape Town - Banyana Banyana lost 1-0 to China in their second Group B match at the FIFA Women's World Cup in France on Thursday night.

A Li Ying goal in the 40th minute of the first half was enough to secure a Chinese victory but South Africa gave a good account of themselves, with a number of attempts on goal and around 47% possession.

But the former runners-up deserved their victory, played out before just over 20 000 fans at the Parc des Princes, with South Africa lacking quality in the final third despite their efforts.

"This victory belongs to all the players, they deserve it. There will be more battles to come and I hope we can last as long as possible in this tournament," said China coach Jia Xiuquan.

South Africa lost their opening match of the tournament, going down 3-1 to Spain despite taking the lead through a stunning goal by Thembi Kgatlana.

"I am very proud of the team," said Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis. "Obviously the result is not what we wanted but we will dust ourselves off and start looking forward. Each and every player in the squad can really pat themselves on the back for today's performance."

Banyana have one game left in Group B against leaders Germany who are undefeated. 

That takes place on Monday, June 17 at 18:00 (SA time).

It was a battle out there and @Banyana_Banyana fought long and hard against China, but it was not their night - it was not a good day at the office. On to the next challenge against Germany we go! #DareToShine #fifawwc #BanyanaBanyana #LeMomentDeBriller @SAFA_net @bafana_bafana pic.twitter.com/iHgOAYMqQe

— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) June 13, 2019

The next assignment is against Germany on Monday 17 June in Montpellier at 18h00. Let's good this @Banyana_Banyana @SAFA_net @BafanaBafana #DareToShine #fifawwc #BanyanaBanyana #LeMomentDeBriller #RSA pic.twitter.com/7jrrnjtAEz

— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) June 13, 2019