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World Cup heartbreak for Banyana Banyana as they lose to Sweden in their first match

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In their opening World Cup match against Sweden on Sunday in Wellington, Banyana Banyana suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss after giving up a goal in stoppage time. Hilda Magaia gave the South Africans a startling 1-0 lead in the 48th minute, but goals from Fridolina Rolfo and Amanda Ilestedt of Sweden put an end to any fairytale hopes. Coach Desiree Ellis and her team, who had done everything in their power to earn their first-ever World Cup point, were devastated by the outcome. With games remaining in Group G against Argentina and Italy, their campaign is already in jeopardy. The African champions, who entered the World Cup 54th on the FIFA rankings while Sweden are third, were always going to be put to the test as Banyana absorbed wave after wave of Swedish pressure in the continuous downpour.

Sport

All Blacks eager to take on South Africa ahead of Rugby Championships

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When they host South Africa in Auckland the following weekend, the All Blacks are already planning for what will be the Rugby Championship’s deciding match. After both New Zealand and South Africa started their seasons with convincing victories, this weekend’s matchup emerges as the deciding match in the shortened 2023 edition of the Rugby World Cup, which is quickly approaching. While the Springboks took a chance by sending certain players to Auckland early to target the game against their old rivals, the All Blacks have a long journey back to New Zealand. The risk paid off because a mixed South African team defeated the Wallabies. Now the focus is on the tantalising match at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium, where All Blacks head coach…