Banyana Banyana wrote history at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, collecting their first-ever point in a 2-2 draw with Argentina in their second Group G match at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
This was an encounter both sides needed to win to bolster their chances of making it out of the group with Sweden and Italy already having collected three points from their respective openers, however South Africa will be more disheartened as they gave away a 2-0 lead they enjoyed until the 74th minute.
South Africa started the game well, with a sound tactical plan, focussing on stability at the back, while showing their talent up front.
Sadly, captain Refiloe Jane had to go off with a serious injury after landing awkwardly and twisting her ankle in the 24th minute, with Kholosa Biyana replacing her.
But South Africa were not shocked despite the huge blow and opened the scoring in the 30th minute when Thembi Kgatlana was played through, beating the offside line before setting up Linda Motlhalo for a tap in – which was confirmed after VAR review.
Banyana widely kept Argentina away from goal, but had their best chance in the 37th minute when a mishit cross sailed over Kaylin Swart and hit the post.
The African Champions had the ball in the back of the net again in injury-time of the first half but this time the offside flag stood. Motlhalo almost made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time but her shot sailed just wide.
Banyana had a chance to extend the lead early in the second half after Jermaine Seoposenwe found Kgatlana but her effort went wide two minutes into the half.
The introduction of Sibulele Hloweni almost came with a direct impact as she could have scored Banyana’s second goal just after the hour mark. The UWC player could only side net a ball from Kgatlana.
It was the Seoposenwe-Kgatlana combination that saw Kgatlana convert Banyana’s second goal in the 67th minute.
But the Argentines came back strong, inspired by their substitutes and trying to keep themselves in the game. They came close twice but the boot of Lebo Ramalepe rescued Banyana twice before Sophia Braun scored a beautiful goal in the 74th minute.
It then took five minutes for Romina Nunez to equalise, as they stole a point. It was a first-ever point for Banyana at the Women’s World Cup and also the first time they scored twice.
Desiree Ellis’ team moved to one point on the log and now need to beat Italy in their final Group G encounter to have a chance of progressing to the knockout stages.
