Banyana Banyana were held to a 1-1 draw by Senegal at the Stade Lat Dior on Saturday night after seeing their lead evaporate in the dying moments of the match.
The reigning African champions looked on course for victory after Nthabiseng Majiya gave them the lead in the 67th-minute, but a 90th-minute penalty awarded to Senegal for an apparent handball allowed Mbayang Sow to step up and ensure the home side walked away with a share of the spoils.
Saturday night’s clash was the first of two friendlies between the two nations, with the second match set for Tuesday.
Senegal started the match brightly, leading to a nervy moment for Banyana in their own box before defender Karabo Dhlamini was able to avert the danger.
Sibulele Holweni had the first real chance for South Africa not long after but her shot lacked the power to trouble Senegal’s defensive lines.
Moments later, Kaylin Swart was forced into her first save following a good counterattacking move from the hosts, but she proved equal to the task.
The end-to-end battle continued, however, with Nthabiseng Majiya fashioning another opportunity for Banyana, before Swart was called on again, this time to save a goal-bound header.
After a goalless first half, Banyana thought they should have had a penalty early in the second stanza, but the referee waved play on.
Senegal had a great chance to open the scoring just before the hour mark following a defense-splitting pass, but the chance was wasted and instead it was Banyana who took the lead shortly after when Majiya smartly beat the offside trap and slotted the ball home.
Senegal tried to equalise 10 minutes from time via a free-kick in a dangerous area, but again Swart was there to make the save.
As the clock wound down, the South Africans looked destined for victory but regulation time expired Senegal were handed a somewhat contentious penalty following a scramble in the box and Mbayang made no mistake from the spot to ensure it ended 1-1 at the final whistle.
