South Africa's Banyana Banyana came close to their first win at the FIFAWWC but let it slip away against a spirited Argentina.
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana are facing possible elimination from the FIFA Women’s World Cup, FIFAWWC, after another disappointing outing.
Thembi Kgatlana put in a brilliant performance but it was not enough as South Africa let slip a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against Argentina on Friday morning.
Kgatlana was involved in both goals but an incredible fightback from the South Americans saw both sides share the spoils in Group G.
Strong Start for South Africa
After facing defeats to Italy and Sweden in their opening games respectively, South Africa and Argentina went into the match at the Barr Stadium looking to kick start their campaign.
However, it was the Banyana Banyana who started on a positive note when Linda Motlhalo fired them ahead at the half-hour mark after a check by the VAR.
It was a goal that arrived against the run of play as the South Americans dominated the game.
But South Africa defended well and limited them to take the narrow leading into the break.
Kgatlana doubles the lead
Having picked up the assist for the opener in the first half, the inspirational Kgatlana was on hand to double South Africa’s lead in the 66th minute.
It was a special goal that saw the rainbow nation look destined to give Africa a second win in the FIFAWWC after Nigeria’s Super Falcons shocked co-hosts Australia.
Argentina fights back
Two goals behind and looking down and out, Argentina kept pushing and continued to dominate on the ball.
Their resilience finally paid off eight minutes after they conceded the second goal.
Sophia Braun started to fightback when she pulled one goal back in the 74th minute.
Five minutes later, Romina Nunez made it 2-2 with a heartbreaking equaliser for the Argentines.
What the result means
Both sides still have work to do heading into the final game of the group stages. South Africa and Argentina shared the spoils to register their first point at the FIFAWWC.
The Banyana Banyana will be the most disappointed of the duo after letting a comfortable two-goal cushion slip away in the space of five second half minutes.
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