Women’s World Cup: Sweden come from behind to defeat South Africa

Sweden needed a 90th-minute Amanda Ilestedt winner to beat South Africa at the Women’s World Cup.

The 2019 semi-finalists needed to come from behind after South Africa took a shock lead through Hildah Magaia.

Frida Rolfo equalised with 25 minutes remaining before Ilestedt’s late header gave Sweden the win.

The result puts Sweden top of Group G before Argentina’s meeting with Italy on Monday.

South Africa lost all three matches on their only previous appearance four years ago, but came into the tournament as 2022 Africa Cup of Nations champions.

They nearly took an early lead when captain Refiloe Jane spotted Sweden goalkeeper Zecira Musovic off her line, but her 40-yard effort hit the roof of the net.

Banyana Banyana took a shock lead early in the second half when Musovic fumbled Thembi Kgatlana’s shot into the path of Magaia to bundle in from close range.

Sweden hit back though when Rolfo met Johanna Kaneryd’s cross to equalise.

A draw would still have been a fantastic result for South Africa, and they defended well to keep Sweden out.

They eventually folded late on though, when Arsenal defender Ilestedt headed in from Kosovare Asllani’s corner.

Sweden will book their place in the knockout rounds if they beat Italy on Saturday. South Africa face Argentina the day before as they hunt for their first ever Women’s World Cup win.

Cover Photo: Flag of Sweden” by Florian Prischl is licensed under CC BY 2.0 .