After narrowly defeating Banyana Banyana, England women's head coach Sarina Wiegman has admitted that their sloppiness almost cost them against the African champions.
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The champions of Europe, the Lionesses, welcomed the Women's Africa Cup of Nations title holders, South Africa, to Coventry on Tuesday night as they played their second friendly of the international break.
It seemed like it would be a routine win for the European giants after Leah Williamson opened the scoring in the 12th minute, before Grace Clinton doubled their tally 11 minutes later.
The second half was a different affair for Wiegman's charges, however, as mistakes allowed Banyana back into the game.
A poor pass from Williamson allowed for Thembi Kgatlana to put the ball into the back of the net, and England would go on to make more mistakes, but Desiree Ellis' charges were unable to capitalise on them and the match ended 2-1.
Wiegman admitted to her team struggling in the second half, citing their sloppiness as a reason for the chances South Africa were able to create.
"I thought after the first half, it was a little more straight-forward," she told ITV.
"I think the first half, we played well. The second half, we had some struggle moments. I think we were a little bit too sloppy.
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"I think the first half we had sloppy moments too but we created some chances from corners and also just in open play. The second half... we were a little bit sloppy and they're smart in a counter-attack and very fast so, of course, that was hard for us."
By Kamogelo Motecwane
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