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[WATCH] Swede and sour: Banyana Banyana suffer a bitter late defeat in World Cup opener

Matthew Marcus|Published

Heat breaking: Banyana Banyana denied a point by Sweden’s last-minute winner

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis believes her World Cup warriors will be even stronger after their heartbreaking 2-1 to Sweden in Monday’s Group G opener.

Women’s African Cup of the Nations (Wafcon) final ace Hildah Magaia bundled South Africa into the lead early in the second half, but like in their 2019 World Cup opening game when they led Spain 1-0 before losing 3-1, they were rolled over in Wellington.

The third-ranked Swedes got lucky when a cross hit Fridolina Rolfo and wrongfooted South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart for a 65th-minute equaliser.

Then it was heartbreak innie laaste minuut when Amanda Ilestedt headed a 90th-minute winner, as their set piece pressure and height advantage finally paid off against SA.

Ellis, though, says despite the defeat and deja vu, SA will come back stronger when they face Argentina in Dunedin on Friday.

Speaking at a post-match press conference about the similarities to 2019, she says: “I think it’s different circumstances.

“In the end we couldn’t hold out. The tactical endurance wasn’t there. Maybe some naivety was there.

Upbeat: SA boss Desiree Ellis.Picture credit: Amanda Perobelli

“I think we’re more mature having won the Wafcon. We had many challenges during that tournament last season. But we rose up together as a team then.

“We’ve been working towards this game since we knew we were gonna play Sweden.

“Even though we lost 2-1, I think it’s still a positive result.

“We’re looking forward to the next game.”

Magaia injured her wrist scoring from close range and was forced off, but Ellis insists she will be back to face the Argies.

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