Poor Banyana Banyana! What a twist of fate for the African champions as they suffered a last minute heartache in their opening Women’s World Cup Group G match with overwhelming favourites, Sweden. On a wet Sunday in Wellington, New Zealand, the African champions conceded a 90th minute goal to lose 2-1 to world No 3 Sweden.
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana were initially cruising to a possible victory as they took an early second half lead through striker Hildah Magaia.
But sad fate made them concede two goals in the final 25 minutes.
Sweden dominated possession the first half but in truth only really troubled Banyana goalkeeper Kaylin Swart from corners as they used their greater height and physicality to cause plenty of alarms inside the six-yard box.
Banyana just about survived as they managed to scramble the ball away, but Sweden also had several headed chances that they could not capitalise from.
The Banyana plan was clear, absorb the pressure and look to hit Sweden on the break with the pace of Thembi Kgatlana.
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