Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini remains optimistic they can still progress to the knockout phase of the World Cup in France, despite losing the opener 3-1 to Spain on Saturday.

Banyana showed flashes of finesse against Spain, but some debatable video assistant referee (VAR) decisions proved costly. Having struck first through ace Thembi Kgatlana, SA surrendered the lead after conceding two penalties and a red card.

"We can still go through to the knockout stage of the competition. The belief and confidence is there. We just need to win at least one of our remaining two group games," said Dlamini, who pulled numerous great saves against Spain.

The defeat left World Cup debutants Banyana bottom of Group B. SA next face China at Parc des Princes on Thursday (9pm). They will wrap up their pool campaign against Germany on June 17.

"It's our first World Cup, but that did not show against Spain. We really held our own.

"If we can continue playing like we did against Spain, we have a good chance of getting positive results in the next matches," Dlamini asserted.

"We must show the world that we are not here to just add numbers. The game against Spain was an eye opener and it will help us going forward because we learnt a lot form it."

Dlamini, 26, also heaped praise on her defenders, veteran Noko Matlou who partnered with skipper Janine van Wyk in the heart of defence, right-back Lebogang Ramalepe and left-back Nothando Vilakazi, who later received her marching orders.

"My defenders were on top of their game. They protected me very well. Although I made some saves, most of the time they thwarted the danger," said Dlamini, the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies goalie.