South Africa were denied what would have been a historic draw for the African champions after Sweden scored a late goal to secure a 2-1 win on Sunday in their first encounter at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand witnessed a surprising defeat of the Banyana Banyana on July 23, 2023. From the beginning, it looked like the South Africans were going to record their first point in the history of the Women’s World Cup.
South Africa lost the match despite scoring the first goal just after returning from the locker room. Hildah Magaia pushed a bounced ball over the line to give South Africa a lead at 48th-minute.
It was South Africa’s second goal in the history of this international competition. The South African goalscorer was later substituted, leaving the pitch in tears after injury while scoring.
But in the 66th minute, Sweden, semi-finalists of the tournament four years ago, equalized. In the 90th minute, Amanda Ilestedt found the net for the Swedes to break African champions hearts.
After this 2-1, Sweden are provisionally first in Group G before the Argentina-Italy clash tomorrow.
Watch the Match recap
