Banyana Preparing for a Tough Battle Against the Netherlands, Looking to Beat the Dutch for the First Time

• Banyana Banyana will play against the Netherlands in a tough international friendly later this evening
• The Netherlands are the fifth-best women's side in world football, while Banyana are currently ranked number 57
• Banyana Banyana have never beaten the Netherlands but have only played against the Dutch side twice

The memory of Bafana's embarrassing defeat against France is still in many South African football lovers' minds, but Banyana are hoping to make up for that.

The South African Women's team are currently in Holland, as they take on the Netherlands in an international friendly tonight.

The two sides have only played each other twice before, with the Dutch coming out victors. They beat Banyana 2-0 in 2016 and then 2-1 just three years later, SAFA confirmed.

The Netherlands are ranked as the fifth-best team in Women's football, while South Africa are ranked 57th, as per the latest FIFA rankings.

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Despite the vast difference in rankings, Banyana are no pushovers and are looking forward to the encounter with the Dutch. Banyana midfielder, Thalea Smidt, said they were expecting a mental battle against the Dutch but were excited to test themselves against one of the best sides in the world, iDiskiTimes reported.

Coach Desiree Ellis also emphasised that this was a great way to measure the team's progress. Banyana are preparing for the Africa Women's Cup of Nations in July and are eager to test themselves against the best before the tournament.

The game will be broadcast live on the SABC Sport Channel on DTT, Openview 124 and or DStv, channel 208.

Banyana Banyana beat Algeria 3:1 on aggregate, qualify for the Africa Women Cup of Nations in Morocco

Banyana Banyana have brought some pride to the nation as they qualified for the Africa Women Cup of Nations Tournament (AWCON). Banyana beat Algeria 3-1 on aggregate to book their place in next year’s tournament, which will be held in Morocco.

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Going into the game, Banyana had a 2 goal advantage thanks to their win over Algeria in South Africa, but knew they faced stern opposition in the return leg at the Stade Omar Hamadi in Algeria.

Sports Brief reported that their resolve was tested during the second leg clash as Algeria started to pile on the pressure. The hosts then scored at the half-hour mark but the goal was disallowed, Soccer Laduma confirmed.