BANYANA Banyana narrowly missed out on a chance of making history and securing their first point at the Fifa World Cup on the Sunday after losing 1-2 to Sweden in their opening match in Wellington.
Amanda Ilestedt’s goal in the dying minutes was the difference after coach Desiree Ellis’ African champs battled hard in the first half to ensure that the score remained 0-0 at halftime.
South Africa surprised the more fancied Swedish when Hildah Magaia opened the scoring with a tap-in three minutes after halftime.
This came after Tembi Kgatlana’s cut-in shot from the left that was parried in the path of Magaia.
But Banyana’s lead lasted less than 20 minutes after Fridolina Rolfö guided her effort past Kaylin Swart in the SA goal with Lebohang Ramalepe getting her legs tangled after a cross from Johanna Kaneryd.
Banyana’s rear guard and in particular Swart looked very vulnerable under the high ball and crosses.
This frailty led to South Africa’s demise when Ilestedt broke Banyana’s hearts just before the end when she rose tallest to head home from close range despite the presence of two defenders on either side of Swart.
It was also South Africa’s lack of composure as well as the long-ball decisions which contributed to their shortcomings.
Ellis will have to find it in her to motivate her charges despite this bitter pill. Along with this, the Cape Town-born coach will have to make a few tactical changes as well and shake up things as all is not lost!
Should SA protect the ball better, as well as play the ball on the ground and through the lines – to their strengths so to speak, then they should be able to collect positive results and points against Argentina (28th July) and Italy (2nd August) in their remaining fixtures in Group G.
