Banyana Banyana put up a terrific fighting performance in their final 2009 Cyprus Eight Nations Cup group match at the Makarios Stadium, however, it was not enough to stop them going down 3-2 to France.

The French thought they had wrapped the game when they went 3-0 up in the last minute of regulation time, but late goals from CAF African Footballer of Year, Noko Matlou and Busisiwe Ndimeni, in injury time brought the South Africans back to the game.

Banyana Banyana had to hang on for the last 10 minutes when the goalkeeper was injured and the reserve 'keeper was unusable also because she was on the injury list.

Banyana Banyana got off to a poor start when France's Gaetane Thiney beat goalkeeper Mukondi Mulaudzi to put the Europeans 1-0 up. Striker Matlou had two good chances in the 35th and 37th minutes, but unfortunately she was unable to capitalise on either opportunity.

The second half was an evenly fought affair,although the French had chances in the 55th, 52nd and 58th minutes.

South Africa responded with an effort from Matlou that went wide of goal.

Mulaudzi, who had struggled with injury throughout, was finally forced to leave the field with ten minutes to play and Lena Mosebo went into goal.

The French took advantage by scoring in the 88th and 90th minutes through Laetitia Tonazzi and Corinne Franco to make it 3-0.

However, Matlou and Ndimeni hit back with late goals to make it 3-2 and the former then had two goals disallowed that cost Banyana Banyana the chance to upset their highly ranked opponents.

"We played out of our skins today and I am so proud of my players," says coach Augustine Makalakalane.

Banyana Banyana will now face off against the Netherlands in a fifth/sixth playoff match on Thursday, March 12.

The final will see England take on Canada, the third/fourth playoff match is between France and New Zealand, while Scotland will take on Russia for the seventh/eighth place.

Sapa

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