Linda Moreotsene
Linda Moreotsene
Two goals by Noko Matlou and Busisiwe Ndimeni in injury time were not enough to steal a second win for Banyana Banyana, who lost their final group match to France 3-2 yesterday.
Banyana - who finished third in their group behind England and France - will face the Netherlands, who finished third in the other group, tomorrow in the playoff for fifth place.
The Eight Nations women's tournament held in Cyprus has been quite an eye-opener for Banyana, who were whipped 6-0 in their opening match, before they admirably defeated Scotland 2-0 on Saturday.
Lenah Mosebo had to don the goalkeeping gloves after the two goalkeepers were injured, and the French took the opportunity to score two quick goals in the 85th and 87th minutes of the match. Well into injury time, Matlou stepped up and scored the first goal, and shortly thereafter Busisiwe Ndimeni scored a second.
A third goal by Matlou was disallowed in a decision that left Banyana manager Fran Hilton-Smith fuming.
"All I can say is that we made our mark and the girls were unbelievable," she said.
In the final, England meet Canada.
Banyana lose 3-2 to France
Linda Moreotsene
Linda Moreotsene
Two goals by Noko Matlou and Busisiwe Ndimeni in injury time were not enough to steal a second win for Banyana Banyana, who lost their final group match to France 3-2 yesterday.
Banyana - who finished third in their group behind England and France - will face the Netherlands, who finished third in the other group, tomorrow in the playoff for fifth place.
The Eight Nations women's tournament held in Cyprus has been quite an eye-opener for Banyana, who were whipped 6-0 in their opening match, before they admirably defeated Scotland 2-0 on Saturday.
Lenah Mosebo had to don the goalkeeping gloves after the two goalkeepers were injured, and the French took the opportunity to score two quick goals in the 85th and 87th minutes of the match. Well into injury time, Matlou stepped up and scored the first goal, and shortly thereafter Busisiwe Ndimeni scored a second.
A third goal by Matlou was disallowed in a decision that left Banyana manager Fran Hilton-Smith fuming.
"All I can say is that we made our mark and the girls were unbelievable," she said.
In the final, England meet Canada.