Women’s World Cup: South Africa succumb to Sweden fight-back to lose 1-2
South Africa succumbed to a fightback by Sweden to lose 1-2 in their opening game of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Sunday July 23.
After a goalless first half, it was the African Champions who took the lead when Hildah Magaia bundled the ball home in the 48th minute.
The goal sparked pressure from the Women’s Football heavyweights and yielded fruit in the 65th minute when Fridolina Rolfo got a fortunate equaliser after South Africa’s Lebohang Ramalepe kicked a clearance on to her.
As expected, it was Sweden who dominated possession but the Bayana Bayana gave a good account of themselves, mustering ten shots on goal to Sweden’s fifteen.
South Africa did just enough to keep Sweden at bay as they pushed for a rare FIFA Women’s World Cup but it wasn’t to be following a heartbreaking stoppage time goal.
A Sweden corner-kick from the left saw Arsenal defender Amanda Ilestedt rise highest inside the six-yard box to power a header beyond South Africa’s Kaylin Swart for the match-winner.
Heartbreak for the South African ladies who were minutes away from a historic draw. So it finished South Africa 1-2 Sweden , the first game of the tournament with goals from both sides settled in the closing minutes.
Sweden go top of group G with the victory.
Italy and Argentina are the other group G teams and will get the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign underway tomorrow .
