Thembi Kgatlana snatches late equaliser as Banyana draw with Finland
Coach Desiree Ellis’s side trailed early in the second half to Juliette Kemppi’s opener‚ before Leandra Smeda equalised from the penalty spot
Thembi Kgatlana scored a late equaliser as Banyana Banyana twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Finland in their opening match of the Cyprus Cup on Wednesday. Banyana trailed early in the second half to Juliette Kemppi’s opener‚ before Leandra Smeda equalised from the penalty spot. The Fins‚ ranked No28 in the world — 20 positions higher than Banyana — restored their lead through Adelina Engman‚ but Kgatlana netted eight minutes from time to grab a point for the South Africans. Banyana were captained by Refiloe Jane‚ who was making her 100th appearance and was handed a commemorative jersey before the game.
Coach Desiree Ellis said before the tournament that she will experiment and left star players Kgatlana and Linda Motlhalo on the bench. Finland had all of the early ball‚ pinning Banyana back in their own half but the South Africans weathered the onslaught. They were unable to offer much at the other end of the pitch though as Rhoda Mulaudzi put a header over the bar‚ ...
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