Banyana Banyana were just minutes away from making history at the FIFA Women’s World Cup but lost 2-1 against world number 3 Sweden in their opening Group G match at the Wellington Regional stadium on Sunday morning.
Thembi Kgatlana, who was playing her first competitive match for South Africa since a long injury lay off, set up Hildah Magaia in the 48th minute to score the opening goal of the game.
That lead didn’t last very long as Banyana defender Lebogang Ramalepe the only change from the 2-0 win over Costa Rica looked to have scored an own goal in the 65th minute, however the goal was credited to Fridolina Rolfo.
Amanda Ilestedt broke South African hearts in the 89th minute after scoring from a corner, which had looked dangerous throughout the game, to deny South Africa a historic first ever point at the tournament.
Ramalepe came on for Fikile Magama who dropped to the bench. There were no starts for WAFCON goalkeeper of the year Andile Dlamini and veteran defender Noko Matlou, as they were named on the bench.
Banyana who are the lowest-ranked side in the group held their own in the opening stanza against the highest-ranked Swedes.
There was a chance for Banyana in the fifth minute with Jermaine Seoposenwe finding Kholosa Biyana in the box but the UWC player was off target.
Five minutes later it was Sweden’s turn with Johanna Rytting Kaneryi from range but did not make a difference.
In the 13th minute there was a dangerous corner for the home team in the game but the South African defense dealt with it. Three minutes later Banyana captain Refiloe Jane had a shot from range which landed on the roof of the net.
Sweden could have found the opener in the 19th minute with a Kosovare Asllani’s free kick which Kaylin Swart dealt with. South Africa had another good chance at goal in the 29th minute with Seoposenwe testing the goalkeeper from outside the box but that ball landed in Muzovic Zecira’s hands.
Two minutes later Kaylin Swart was under pressure from Stina Blackstenius and tipped the ball out for a corner. Sweden had another glorious opportunity to break the deadlock in injury time of the first half from Elin Rubensson who just missed the top right by inches from outside the box.
Soon After it was Banyana’s chance but Kgatlana who had an opportunity to pass Seoposenwe who was free on the left opted to shoot leaving the match tied at 0-0 at the break.
Banyana’s next match is against Argentina on Friday morning.
