Banyana Banyana lost a hard-fought battle 1-2 to Sweden in their opening 2023 FIFA Womens World Cup Group G clash in Wellington, New Zealand, on Sunday.
South Africa held Sweden to a 0-0 draw at halftime and took the lead early in the second stanza through a well-worked goal scored by Hildah Magaia.
Magaia hurt herself as she bundled the ball across the line and fell awkwardly. She was soon substituted.
But the pressure from Sweden continued in waves until Banyana caved in. Sweden star forward Fridolina Rolfo latched onto a cross to beat Kaylin Swart in goal for South Africa.
Unable to break down Banyana, the Swedes resorted to freekicks and penalties where it was evident they had the height advantage.
While Captain Rafiloe Jane and Linda Motlhalo did their best in midfield, it was the set pieces Banyana gave away to Sweden that proved to be their undoing.
Sweden’s height advantage paid off late in the second half when Amanda Ilestedt scored the winning goal in the 90th minute.
Commenting on the match, SA Sport, Arts, and Culture Minister Goodenough Zizi Kodwa said: “We have entered the biggest moment in South Africa’s sporting calendar so far this year, as Banyana Banyana participates in the FIFA World Cup in New Zealand”.
Minister Kodwa added: “On Sunday, 23 July 2023, I watched from the stands in Wellington, New Zealand, as Banyana Banyana kicked off their FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign against Sweden, the world’s third-ranked team.
“Although Banyana Banyana lost this closely fought encounter 2 – 1, their fighting spirit was clear for all to see.
“This team has performed exceptionally in recent years, and despite the loss in their opening game, Banyana Banyana showed that they are a force to be reckoned with.
“I return to South Africa emboldened by the support Banyana Banyana has, and that their will to do their best in the World Cup remains as strong as ever.”
Meanwhile, the Netball World Cup begins on Friday, 28 July 2022, in Cape Town, with the SPAR Proteas entering the tournament as one of the leading teams.
“It is all systems go for the start of this extravaganza, as most of the teams that will compete in this World Cup have arrived in Cape Town,” said Minister Kodwa.
“I return to South Africa to celebrate the occasion of the Netball World Cup being hosted on African soil for the first time ever.
“I will participate in Netball World Cup activation programmes in places such as Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, Bellville, Athlone, and Happy Valley, to name a few.
“I would like to wish Netball South Africa and the World Cup Local Organising Committee a successful tournament.”
Minister Kodwa urged South Africans to rally around and support both the women’s football and netball national teams, which have consistently flown the country’s flag high.
“Banyana Banyana and the SPAR Proteas have made the country proud with their performances, and have stood out with their world-class talents,” Minister Kodwa said.
“These teams exemplify the unity and cohesion which spreads to all parts of the nation in South Africa’s great sporting moments.”
