Women’s football: South Africa,  England  lose high-profile  friendly ties

Harry Awurumibe, Abuja.

The African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) Ghana 2018 finalist, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana earlier on Sunday lost by two goals to nil to Japan in an international friendly match.

Two first half goals from Saki Kumagai in the 21 minute and Yuika Sugasawa in the 41minute respectively ensured that the Africans will go home empty handed.

Although a more compact defence in the second half helped the Desiree Ellis tutored team to keep the scoreline low even as the South African star, Leandra Wiloma Smeda earned her 100th caps in the game.

It will be recalled that another Africa country,  Ghana was walloped 7-1 by Japan last year in the same MS & AD Cup International match.

Elsewhere, England yesterday lost 1-2 to Germany in front of their home fans at the iconic Wembley stadium in London.

German super star, Alexandra Popp put the former World Champions in front in the 9th minute of the sold out arena only for the Three Lionesses legend, Ellen White to equalize in the 44th minute.

The hosts launched a fight back in the second half but Klara Bühl’s fine finish at the death denied England a draw as the day that started with a record home crowd for  Australia of 20,029 spectators ended with the Lionesses’ recording their biggest ever home crowd of 77, 768 fans at Wembley on Saturday. The goal was scored in the 90th minute.