In a game that would have easily ended in a draw, Banyana Banyana conceded late to lose against Sweden in their Women’s World Group G opener.
South Africa is just making their second appearance in the Women’s World Cup. They have yet to win a match at the competition, having lost all three group-stage games in 2019.
The African Champions were impressive with their defending in the first half as they held the third-best-ranked team in the world to a goalless draw.
There was plenty to play for in the second stanza. Both teams appeared to have restrategized with Sweden, however, launching more attacks.
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The Blue and Yellow side may have enjoyed the majority of possession but it was Banyana Bnayana who opened the scoring through Hildah Magaia in the 48th minute.
This was after a fantastic run by Thembi Kgatlana who ran past two defenders to shoot from the left side. Her deflected shot found Magaia who tapped home South Africa’s first goal from close range.
Banyana Banyana suffered a huge blow when goal scorer, Magaia was subbed off due to injury in the 56th minute.
Despite an impressive collective defense following multiple Swedish attacks, they were eventually unlocked in the 65th minute. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd delivered a dangerous cross in the box, which Barcelona’s Fridolina Rolfo tapped in and slightly deflected on Lebogang Ramalepe to level the score.
Sweden later won a corner in additional time, from which Amanda Ilestedt headed home the winner.
On Friday, Desiree Ellis’s charges will face Argentina for their second group match.
