The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana suffered a heartbreak in the last minute of the match when they could not hold on for a point, allowing Sweden to score and claim a 2-1 victory in Group G of their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup opener.
The clash took place at a wet and gloomy Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand on Sunday (23 July 2023).
Playing in a brand new all-black kit – unlike their usual green or gold jersey, the South Africans were solid in defence and good value for money as they managed to keep the Europeans at bay in the first half, with the two sides disappearing down the tunnel tied at 0-0.
The South African’s counterattack style of play helped them to a 1-0 lead three minutes after the recess – forward Hilda Magaia benefitting from a mishandled ball by Sweden’s goalkeeper after a Thembi Kgatlana strike.
Making her FIFA Women’s World Cup debut, the South Korea-based player injured herself in the process and had to be substituted, leaving her in tears as she left the field. But Head Coach Desiree Ellis told the Media in Wellington that the forward should be ready for the next match. Magaia has become a key figure in the South African attacking department – she scored a brace to help Banyana Banyana become continental champions in Morocco last year.
The Swedes had never lost a World Cup group match since 2003, and South Africa looked on course to change all that.
But with their never-say die attitude, the third-ranked Sweden attacked relentlessly and their efforts paid off in the 65thminute when Fridolina Rolfo equalised with one of the easiest chances in the match.
When everyone was resigned to the possibility of a draw – which would have earned Banyana Banyana their first point in the competition, their second in a row – Amanda Illestedt pounced with a header that broke the hearts of many.
She rose the highest to score the winner on the stroke of full time to deny what would have a been a great result for Ellis and her charges, after playing with much courage throughout the match.
This was the fifth meeting between the two nations, and Sweden’s dominance continued as they won their fourth outing with one match drawn.
Banyana Banyana’s next assignment is against Argentina on Friday, 28 July in Dunedin.
Group G action continues on Monday, 24 July when Italy goes toe to toe against the South Americans in Eden Park, Auckland.
Here is South Africa lined up against Sweden:
Kaylin Swart, Lebohang Ramalepe, Bambanani Mbane, Bongeka Gamede, Sibulele Holweni, Refiloe Jane (c), Kholosa Biyana, Linda Motlhalo (Nomvula Kgoale), Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hilda Magaia (Gabby Salgado), Thembi Kgatlana
Subs: Andile Dlamini, Noko Matlou, Kebotseng Moletsane, Fikile Magama, Noxolo Cesane, Nomvula Kgoale, Karabo Dhlamini, Gabby Salgado, Wendy Shongwe, Tiisetso Makhubela, Melinda Kgadiete, Robyn Moodaly
Coach: Desiree Ellis
12. J.Falk, 3. L.Sembrant, 14. N.Bjorn, 6. M.Eriksson, 2. Andersson, 16. Angeldal, 8. M.Vinberg, 25. Olme, 18. Rolfo, 15. Blomqvist, 10. Jakobsson
Coach: Peter Gerhardsson
Match information
Match: 12
Kick-off: 17:00 (local time – 07h00 SA Time)
Date: 23 July 2023
Venue: Wellington Regional Stadium
Wellington/Te Whanganui-a-Tara
New Zealand
Officials:
Referee: Ekaterina KOROLEVA (USA)
Assistant referee 1: Kathryn NESBITT (USA)
Assistant referee 2: Felisha MARISCAL (USA)
Fourth official: Yujeong KIM (KOR)
Video assistant referee: Carol Anne CHENARD (CAN)
Assistant VAR: Tatiana GUZMAN (NCA)
Offside VAR: Enedina CAUDILLO (MEX)
(CentreCircle.online is at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup courtesy of Sasol, sponsors of Banyana Banyana)
