By Levy Masiteng
Banyana Banyana bounced back from a heavy defeat to beat Japan 1-0 in their second international friendly at J-GREEN Sakai in Osaka on Tuesday.
Linda Motlhalo scored in the ninth minute as South Africa secured a morale-boosting win over the Asian champions, three days after losing 5-0 to the same opponents in the first match of the two-game series.
Coach Desiree Ellis’ side defended their early lead for the rest of the match, producing a disciplined response after Japan had dominated the opening friendly in Osaka on Saturday.
The win gives South Africa a timely lift as they continue preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which is scheduled to run from 25 July to 16 August.
Banyana, who won the African title in 2022, will go into the tournament aiming to reclaim the continental crown after Nigeria won the 2024 edition by beating hosts Morocco 3-2 in last year’s final.
The two friendlies against Japan formed part of South Africa’s build-up to WAFCON, with Ellis using the matches against high-level opposition to test her squad before the continental tournament.
