BANYANA Banyana found themselves on the wrong end of a gale-force wind and a rampant second-half performance by South Korea, as they went down by two goals to one in their opening Group C fixture at the Cyprus Women's Cup.

Banyana Banyana dominated possession in the first half of the match but had to settle for a goalless scoreline at the interval. During the half-time break the rain began to pour down at the Tascos Marko Stadium in Paralimni.

The South Koreans played with the powerful wind at their backs in the second period and a raid on the South African penalty area saw team captain Yun-Hee Chu slot the ball past Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Thoko Mndaweni in the 50th minute.

The wind - which kept relatively low in the first half - assisted the South Koreans, with the Banyana Banyana midfield pushed back to help their defence.

The South Koreans doubled their lead in the 69th minute when goalkeeper Mndaweni and right-back Simphiwe Masina got into a tangle and the ball fell kindly for Minji Leo, who slottedthe ball home.

Noko Matlou scored her 53rd goal for her country in her 65th international appearance when she converted some Banyana Banyana pressure by firing the ball home through a crowded penalty area in the final minute of the match.