The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup kicked off on Thursday, the 20th of July, in Australia and New Zealand. South Africa played in their opening game this morning in Wellington and despite almost causing an upset with a 1-0 lead, Banyana lost 2-1 to Sweden after a 90th minute goal.

Despite being the underdogs, being ranked 54th currently, South Africa took a surprise lead against the side that is ranked 3rd in the world. 

The striker, Hildah Magaia, opened the scoring in the 48th minute to give South Africa a 1-0 lead. Unfortunately thereafter she had to exit the field due to an injury. 

Supersport reports that South Africa's coach Desiree Ellis said injuries to Magaia's hand and knee weren't as serious as first feared.

Banyana kept their defence strong and held off on the pressure being put on them by the Swedes and the persistent rainfall. Their defences eventually broke and hereafter, Sweden fought back to maintain their 3rd world ranking status and scored in the 65th minute bringing the game to a draw. Fridoline Rolfo was responsible for bringing the team to the 1-1 score.

Despite bringing the game to a draw, it was the 90th minute goal that caused the upset and disappointment for South Africa. Just when Banyana thought they had narrowly made it through on a draw, Sweden’s Amanda Ilestedt scored giving the Swedes a 2-1 win. 

Coach, Desiree Ellis said in her post-match interview that she is proud of her team for how they executed their plan, despite their opening loss. 

"We always knew, physically, they were going to challenge us aerially, but throughout the game we handled that extremely well. I am really proud of the players. We had a game plan and we played according to the game plan.”

Banyana are the lowest ranked team in their group and have tough competition ahead with games against Argentina and Italy.

To keep their hopes of qualifying alive, a win against Argentina on Friday is crucial.

South Africa take on Argentina on Friday, 28 July at 02:00 and then Italy in their final Group G clash on Tuesday, 2 August at 09:00. 

Kayla Barker/OFM Sport