South Africa thank fans for waking to watch heartbreaking FIFAWWC defeat to Sweden

Sweden vs South Africa

South Africa thank fans for waking to watch heartbreaking FIFAWWC defeat to Sweden

Izuchukwu Akawor 09:41 - 23.07.2023

Africa has suffered another defeat in the FIFAWWC after WAFCON champions South Africa fell to Sweden.

African champions South Africa are the latest team to suffer defeat at the FIFA Women's World Cup, FIFAWWC.

South Africa saw Sweden come from behind to seal a 2-1 victory during their clash in Group G on Sunday morning.

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The Banyana Banyana join Zambia, who had a baptism of fire from Japan in Group C, as the African teams to taste defeats in their FIFAWWC openers.

South Africa vs Sweden: Brief

It was a keenly contested encounter that saw the Europeans dominate most of the possession but both sides remained level in the opening half.

South Africa at FIFAWWC
South Africa started on a positive not against Sweden.

In the second half, it was the African champions who started on a very good note and broke the deadlock.

WAFCON hero Hildah Magaia scored the game’s opener following good work from superstar Kgatlana whose initial effort was deflected towards Magaia, who gladly bundled home.

South Africa
Hildah Magaia opened the scoring against Sweden.

However, South Africa failed to hold on to the lead as Sweden fought back twice to seal the comeback win.

First, Fridolina Rolfo forced equalised after the hour mark before Amanda Ilestedt denied the Rainbow nation a share of the spoils with a heartbreaking late winner.

South Africa.
Linda Motlhalo of South Africa and Filippa Angeldal fight for the ball.

South Africa reacts

Following the defeat, the dejected and deflated Banyana Banyana sent a message of appreciation to their fans.

The team posted a message to their fans who woke up in the early hours of Sunday morning to watch their opening game of the FIFAWWC.

“A difficult loss but we take the positives,” the team posted on their official Twitter account.

FIFAWWC
Heartbreak for Banyana Banyana.

“Mzansi thank you for waking up to watch and support Banyana Banyana.”

Nigeria's Super Falcons and Morocco, who are yet to play their first game, are now the only African team yet to taste defeat at the FIFAWWC.

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