Banyana Banyana survived a spirited fightback from Botswana to come away from the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium with a 3-2 win on Wednesday.

Desiree Ellis’ side looked to be cruising in the opening match of the Three Nations Series after racing into a 3-0 lead courtesy of a goal from Adrielle Mibe and Jermaine Seoposenwe’s brace.

But Lesego Radiakanyo hit back for the Mares with a wonderful long-range effort before half-time and Laone Moloi further reduced the deficit in the second half to get then right back in the game.

The hosts enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession in the first half and they moved the ball around well, while their high press restricted the opposition’s attacking opportunities.

South Africa didn’t have to wait long to stamp their authority on proceedings as Mibe tapped home from close range on 13 minutes after Seoposenwe’s initial shot was saved by Sedilame Bosija following good work from Amogelang Motau to win the ball inside the box from a throw-in.

Mibe then turned provider four minutes later when she latched onto a long ball from Kaylin Swart and squared it to Seoposenwe, who finished smartly inside the area.

Refiloe Jane almost added a third just before the half-hour mark after she pounced on a mistake at the back and curled a shot just beyond the right post from the edge of the box.

More sloppy play from the Mares resulted in a second goal for Seoposenwe on 36 minutes as she stabbed the ball inside the right post after Jane cut out a poor pass in the final third.

However, the visitors pulled one back five minutes later with their first sniff at goal, with Radiakanyo bringing a long ball over the top from Bosija under control and lobbing Swart from distance.

Botswana played with more confidence in the second half and they struck again on 63 minutes when Ontlametse Gaonyadiwe played Moloi in with a sublime pass and she held her nerve to beat Swart from inside the box.

The Mares also defended much better after the restart to deny Banyana Banyana any real chances and the reigning African champions held on to secure victory.

South Africa (2) 3 (Mibe 13', 36', Seoposenwe 17')
Botswana (1) 2 (Radiakanyo 41', Moloi 63')