Banyana Banyana Make History with First-Ever Win Over Japan

by Karabo Peter@karabo_peter_ 1,022 0
Photo Credit: Sasol Banyana Banyana

A 1-0 win in Osaka as Banyana Banyana recorded their first-ever victory over Japan after a 5-0 defeat in the opening match.

 

Osaka, Japan (09 June 2026) – It was a historic morning in Osaka as Banyana Banyana secured their first-ever win over Japan, edging the hosts 1-0 in the second international friendly.

Three changes were made to the starting line-up for the second match, with Kaylin Swart, Bongeka Gamede and Thembi Kgatlana coming in for Andile Dlamini, Nonhlanhla Mthandi and Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado.

Linda Motlhalo was the hero for South Africa, finding that decisive goal in a match played at 08h30 SA time.

The result marks a significant moment for Banyana, which had suffered a 5-0 defeat in the first match against the same opponents on Saturday at the Yanmar Hanasaka Stadium. That earlier match, played in front of a lively crowd that included travelling South African supporters, highlighted the gap in execution on the day, with head coach Dr Desiree Ellis admitting there were lessons to be taken from the performance.

Heading into the second fixture, captain Refiloe Jane marked a personal milestone as she earned her 150th cap for the national team. And in the same breath, she had stressed the importance of correcting mistakes and showing improvement, and the team responded exactly that way, producing a far more structured, disciplined and composed performance over the 90 minutes.

“A difficult game we played in the first game, we knew that it wasn’t going to be easy and they came exactly the way we anticipated.”

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The back-to-back fixtures form part of Banyana Banyana’s preparation for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) in Morocco, where the team will look to sharpen combinations and build momentum ahead of the continental showpiece.

Sources: South African Football Association 
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About the Author

Karabo Peter is a writer for Good Things Guy.

Passionate about sharing stories of growth and resilience. From sports to the ways business, travel, and art shape communities. When she’s not writing, she’s likely out on a run or discovering new coffee spots.

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