Banyana Banyana clinched their first-ever point at the Women's World Cup after a 2-2 draw against Argentina on Friday morning.
2023 FIFA Women's Cup
Result: Argentina 2-2 South Africa
Date: 27 July 2023
Venue: Dunedin Stadium
Coach Desiree Ellis made two changes from the loss to to Sweden last week, as Karabo Dhlamini and Noxolo Cesane replaced Sibulele Holweni and Kholosa Biyana.
The South Africans took a more lively approach in the early stages of the encounter, with Thembi Kgatlana looking to get in behind the Argentine defence in the opening 15 minutes.
Ellis and South Africa were dealt a blow in the 24th minute when captain Refiloe Jane was stretchered off after an awkward landing on her ankle. The skipper was replaced by Biyana.
Six minutes later, Banyana took the lead when Kgatlana broke free on goal and unselfishly teed up Linda Motlhalo for the close-range finish and while the offside flag did go up, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) came to their rescue to award the goal.
The South Americans did have their moments in the second half, with Mariana Larroquette going closest minutes before the break with a cross that crashed against the crossbar.
The African champions should have doubled their lead shortly after the break when Jermaine Seoposenwe teed up Kgatlana in the box, but the attacker fialed to hit the target from close range.
Seoposenwe was influential for South African down the right as she set up the second goal on 65 minutes by winning the ball off an Argentine defender and teeing up Kgatlana for the close range finish.
The Argentines did manage to pull one back in the 74th minute when a clearance landed into the path of Sophia Braun, who took one touch and sent a superb volley into the top corner.
The comeback was complete four minutes later when substitute Romina Nunez lost her marker and glanced home a header from Yamila Rodriguez's inviting cross from the right flank.
Banyana now must secure a victory over Italy in their final group game to stand a chance of qualifying for the knockout stage.
Here's how they lined up:
South Africa: Swart, Ramalepe, Mbane, Gamede, Cesane, Dhlamini, Motlhalo, Jane, Seoposenwe, Magaia, Kgatlana
Subs: Dlamini, Matlou, Magama, Biyana, Kgoale, Moletsane, Salgado, Shongwe, Makhubela, Kgadiete, Moodaly, Holweni
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