Women's friendly: South Africa get revenge against Japan

Final score 1-0 after a heavy 0-5 defeat in the first leg.

Africa Today at 07:12

The South African women's national team, Banyana Banyana, set the record straight. After suffering a 5-0 defeat in the first leg, the South Africans edged out Japan 1-0 in the return match, wrapping up the international break on a high note.

Thanks to a goal from Linda Motlhalo, South Africa clinched a victory over Japan. It was a narrow win on the scoreboard, but packed with significance. After the heavy 5-0 loss in the opener, the South African side looked like a completely different team.

Full-time: Japan 0-1 South Africa

An early goal from Linda Motlhalo, after a pinpoint corner by Refiloe Jane, proved decisive.

From a 5-0 defeat on Saturday to a 1-0 win today. An outstanding response from Banyana Banyana ahead of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.pic.twitter.com/wSXpWWHd7h
— JWsports1 ⚽️ (@JWsports1) 9 June 2026

This double-header friendly was part of preparations for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which kicks off on July 25. South Africa will compete in a tough and exciting Group B alongside Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, and Tanzania.