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.
