Amanda Ilestedt’s 90th-minute winner gave Sweden a 2-1 victory over South Africa in their opening game, after an unexpected equaliser from Fridolina Rolfo had cancelled out Hildah Magaia’s opener.
Banyana Banyana in their World Cup start match against Sweden, surrendered a slim lead and let Sweden launch a come back to win in a Group G heartbreaking encounter at Wellington Regional Stadium on Sunday.
South Africa’s Hildah Magaia thrust them in front three minutes into the second half.
The South Africans gave their opponents the opportunity to catch up through Fridolina Rolfo’s 65th-minute goal before Amanda Ilestedt beat the full-time whistle with the winner for Sweden, goal.com reports.
Refiloe Jane, Thembi Kgatlana and Jermaine Seoposenwe all attempted from distance within the opening 30 minutes.
On 36 minutes, Sweden thought they had earned a penalty after Magaia appeared to have handled inside the penalty box but American referee, Ekaterina Koroleva, turned down the call.
Known for being threat, Kgatlana kept Sweden defenders on their toes and early into the second half she had Sweden goalkeeper Zecira Musovic punch her shot for Magaia to finish it.
Nonetheless, the Europeans hit back through Fridolina Rolfo moments later to level matters.
However, Sweden’s intimidation from corner kicks was profitable when Ilestedt connected with her head to thrust her side ahead.
With the result, the third-ranked Swedes top their group, before Italy and Argentina play their opener in Auckland on Monday.
