Jamaica stun Banyana Banyana with convincing victory

Siobhan Wilson opened the scoring for Jamaica in the first half, with Khadija Shaw sealing the win with a second-half brace.

This loss followed previous setbacks against Denmark and England in October, marking a challenging run for South Africa.

The match began with a cautious approach from both teams, offering few clear chances early on. Banyana's Noxolo Cesane attempted a shot within the first five minutes, but it lacked the power to trouble the Jamaican defence.

The hosts responded in the eighth minute, as Deneisha Blackwood sent a cross to Jody Brown, who narrowly missed the connection in the box.

Banyana had a set-piece opportunity in the 19th minute, but Kholosa Biyana's delivery failed to find a target.

Jamaica applied pressure with three consecutive corners after 25 minutes, and the third resulted in Wilson's precise strike in the 28th minute, giving the Reggae Girls their first home international goal since November 2022.

The South Africans struggled to recover, and Jamaica nearly doubled their lead in the 34th minute when Jade Bailey set up Brown, who missed an open goal.

At half-time, Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis introduced Gugu Dlamini and Nomvula Kgoale, but Jamaica remained dominant.

Shaw capitalised on a team move in the 55th minute, doubling Jamaica's advantage. She completed her brace in the 83rd minute, leaving South Africa with no response.

The teams will face off again on 2 December at the same venue, providing Banyana with an opportunity to redeem themselves.