Banyana Banyana suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Sweden in the opening 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup match on Sunday at the Wellington Regional Stadium.
After a dull 0-0 first half, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Champions, Banyana Banyana opened the scoring after Hildah Magaia bundled in the opening goal in the 48th minute following on after Thembi Kgatlana’s attempt was saved by the keeper.
It took Sweden just 12 minutes to find an equalizer. Fridolina Rolfo scored the equalizing goal after defender Lebohang Ramalepe failed to clear a lame cross inside the penalty box.
Sweden kept piling on the pressure looking for a winning goal, and took full advantage of their height advantage when the towering Amanda Ilestedt headed in a goal from a corner in the final minute of the game to seal the victory for the 3rd ranked Sweden.
Banyana Banyana will hope to get points on the board when they come face to face with Argentina on Friday, 28 July 2023 at Dunedin stadium.
Written by: Diski Voice
