Japan outclasses Banyana Banyana 5-0 in Osaka friendly

Asian champions Japan have beaten the South African Senior Women’s team, Banyana Banyana, 5-0 in an international friendly played in Osaka. Japan, ranked fifth in the FIFA Women’s World ranking, scored twice in the second half after leading the match 3-0 at halftime.

Japan attacked from the outset, with Brighton midfielder Kiko Seike putting them in the lead. The hosts came close to making it 2-0 moments later, but goalkeeper Andile Dlamini made a save. Most of Japan’s attacks came from the left flank. Before long, Seiko beat Dlamini from close range to complete her brace.

Banyana Banyana had two back-to-back scoring opportunities, but both went begging. Attacking midfielder Sinoxolo Cesane’s attempt went across the face of the goal before goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita stopped another effort by Gabriela Salgado. Instead, the hosts increased their lead when Bayern Munich striker Momoko Tanikawa beat Dlamini from distance with a powerful shot to make it 3-0.

After the break, the hosts continued to play offensive football. They dispossessed the visitors before Manchester City forward Aoba Fujino beat Dlamini on the far post. Fujino was at the end of another attack, beating Dlamini at close range to make it 5-0.