South Africa squandered a good chance to pick their first win at the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup after allowing Argentina to rally from two goals down to force a 2-2 draw at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday.
Linda Motlhalo put Banyana Banyana ahead in the 30th minute before Thembi Kgatlana made it 2-0 in the 66th minute and they looked set to pick their first victory in Group G. However, two quick-fire goals courtesy of Sophia Braun and substitute Romina Núnez dented their hopes as Argentina salvaged a draw.
The draw gave both teams a single point in Group G. Sweden and Italy, the co-leaders of the group with three points each, play Saturday. After a nervy start for South Africa, Motlhalo scored the opener when she knocked in a pass from Kgatlana when play slowed because Argentine players thought South Africa was offside. Kgatlana later added a goal herself in the 66th minute.
Read Also: Women’s World Cup : Argentina vs South Africa starting line-ups
In the 74th minute, though, Sophia Braun launched a stunning long-range strike that curled into the corner of the net to cut the deficit in half, and Romina Nunez’s header five minutes later levelled up the scores.
The draw gave South Africa its first-ever point in the Women’s World Cup. South Africa lost every match in the group stage at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, as well as this tournament opener. South African team captain Refiloe Jane was stretchered off in the 22nd minute for an apparent injury to her left ankle.
Banyana Banyana, who lost their opening fixture 2-1 against Sweden, will return to action with their final group game against Italy at Wellington Regional Stadium on Wednesday, while Argentina will face Sweden at FMG Stadium Waikato.