by Agnes Amondi

Noko Matlou returned to the Banyana Banyana squad and scored a brace as Thembi Kgatlana bagged a goal to give South Africa a 3-1 victory over Zambia in an international friendly match played at the Bidvest Stadium in Johannesburg.

Barbra Banda broke the deadlock in the 17th minute before central defender Matlou levelled matters in the 39th and gave the hosts the advantage three minutes later to take a 2-1 lead at half time.

After the break, SD Eibar forward Thembi Kgatlana added a third. The Copper Queens battled to reduce the deficit but their efforts were futile as Banda saw up to two of her chances fo wide and saved respectively.

This was the first match both sides have played this year as Zambia continue to warm up to the Tokyo Olympic games as Banyana prepare for the upcoming Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Up next for Jill Ellis side is Botswana on Tuesday.