Banyana Banyana lose to Sweden at FIFA Women’s World Cup

Favourites to progress from Group G of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Sweden will start their campaign against the lowest-ranked team of the group, South Africa.

The match on Sunday, 23 July will kick off at 07:00 (SA time).

With tricky games against Italy and Argentina up next, the Blågult can ill-afford a slow start as they aim to better their third-place finish from the last edition and target a first-ever global title.

Peter Gerhardsson’s side were beaten 4-0 in the semi-finals of the UEFA European Championships by eventual winners England last year, and have been struggling for consistency ever since.

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They’ve managed just three wins from their last eight matches (D3, L2), and with no victories coming in the three friendlies preceding this match, their preparations have been far from ideal.

DID YOU KNOW | Which of South Africa’s 9 provinces is the SMALLEST by area size?

Starting with a win here could ease some nerves as the nation’s most-capped player, 38-year-old captain Caroline Seger looks to make her fifth Women’s World Cup campaign a memorable one.

Playing their second World Cup, South Africa are looking to better their previous showing which saw them lose all three matches, conceding eight goals and scoring just once.

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Belief they can put that right should be high in the Banyana Banyana camp after winning the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations – the first major title in their history.

Coach Desiree Ellis stated their expectations are “even higher” after that triumph but recent form has been patchy for South Africa – winning just three of their last 10 matches (D2, L5).

DID YOU KNOW | Which of South Africa’s 9 provinces is the LARGEST by area size?

That poor run has raised doubts over their defence which has conceded at least three times in four of those five defeats, and they’re sure to be put to the test against a Sweden side ranked third in the world by FIFA.

Players to watch

Sweden’s Fridolina Rolfö struck Barcelona’s match-winner in the UEFA Women’s Champions League last month.

Equally adept at making a difference is South Africa’s Linda Motlhalo, who assisted the 92nd minute goal for Glasgow City to win the SWPL title on the final day of the season.

Hot stat

Sweden have kept a first half clean sheet in seven of their last eight matches, while South Africa have failed to score before half-time in seven of their last 10.