Banyana Banyana were denied their first-ever point at a Women's World Cup after suffering a 2-1 loss to Sweden, who are ranked third in the world.
2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
Result: Sweden 2-1 South Africa
Date: 23 July 2023
Venue: Wellington Regional Stadium
Coach Desiree Ellis went for Kaylin Swart ahead of Andile Dlamini between the sticks, while Thembi Kgatlana, who was the only Banyana player with a World Cup goal to her name, was named in the attack.
The African champions carved out the game's first chance after five minutes when Jermaine Seoposenwe pounced on a long ball and sent a cross into the box that found Biyana, who volleyed wide of the mark.
Sweden continued to dominate as the half went on but they were nearly caught out after 15 minutes when a poor clearance landed at the feet of Refiloe Jane, who looked to catch Zecira Musovic off her line but her effort sailed just over the crossbar.
Kgatlana was proving to be Banyana's liveliest attacking outlet on the park, as the skilful winger showed good composure to bring the ball out from the back on a few occasions, much to the delight of the crowd.
The Swedes were also looking to make their dominance on set-pieces count, with both Amanda Ilestedt and Magdalena Eriksson going close with headers in the final ten minutes of the first half.
Sweden were made to rue their missed chances as Banyana took the lead two minutes into the second half Hildah Magaia bundled the ball home from close range after Musovic could not hold onto Kgatlana's effort.
That would be Magaia's final major involvement in the game as the striker came off in the 56th minute with an apparent injury that sustained while scoring the goal.
However, the Swedes were back on level terms ten minutes later when Lebohang Ramalepe's failed clearance saw the ball hit an unaware Fridolina Rolfo and sailed into the far corner.
While South Africa were unable to carve out chances since their goal, Sweden were camped in the opposition half for the remainder of the second half as they went in search of a winning goal.
Sweden did go on to get the winning goal on 90 minutes as one of their set-pieces finally paid off when Ilestedt rose above her marker to send a powerful header past Swart.
Here's how they lined up:
Sweden: Musovic, Andersson, Ilestedt, Eriksson, Bjorn, Rubensson, Angeldahl, Rytting Kaneryd, Asllani, Rolfo, Blackstenius
South Africa: Swart, Ramalepe, Mbane, Gamede, Holweni, Jane, Biyana, Motlhahlo, Seoposenwe, Magaia, Kgatlana
Subs: Dlamini, Matlou, Moletsane, Magama, Cesane, Kgoale, Dhlamini, Salgado, Shongwe, Makhubela, Kgadiete, Moodaly
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