- Extratime Team
- Fri, Jul 28 2023
In a display of resilience, Argentina came from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw with South Africa in a FIFA Women's World Cup Group G match.
Linda Motlhalo and Thembi Kgatlana gave Banyana Banyana an initial advantage, only for Sophia Braun and Romina Nunez to equalise for La Albiceleste in a stunning five-minute comeback.
South Africa opened the scoring with Linda Motlhalo's goal in the 31st minute, initially ruled offside, but ultimately validated by VAR to the delight of the audience at Dunedin Stadium.
The second half saw Thembi Kgatlana extend South Africa's lead in the 67th minute, before Argentina fought back valiantly.
Sophia Braun kickstarted the comeback in the 74th minute with a spectacular 25-metre strike, followed by Romina Nunez's game-tying glancing header five minutes later.
The draw marked South Africa's first point ever in the Women's World Cup, a significant milestone achieved after five games.
Despite this achievement, the team's celebrations were marred by the loss of captain Refiloe Jane to an ankle injury and the suspension of Kholosa Biyana for their final Group G match following her second yellow card of the tournament.
Argentina's determination reflected in their two-goal comeback leaves both teams in contention for progression to the last 16, though both will require favourable results in their final group games.
Sophia Braun, the Argentine defender, commented on the match, "We never gave up. Obviously we didn't start the way we wanted to but we showed a lot of heart and fight to claw our way back."
Meanwhile, South Africa's coach, Desiree Ellis, acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, "We had the chance to win this game and, again, we just gave it away. We created many opportunities...When you create beautiful chances and don’t put them away, the result can end up like this.”
Argentina Women: Vanina Correa; Sophie Braun, Aldana Cometti, Miriam Mayorga, Eliana Stabile; Estefania Banini, Lorena Benitez (Julieta Cruz 46), Florencia Bonsegundo, Daiana Falfan (Romina Nunez 46), Mariana Larroquette (Erica Lonigro 69); Paulina Gramaglia (Yamila Rodriguez 59).
Subs not used: Abigail Chaves, Lara Esponda, Adriana Sachs, Camila Gomez Ares, Dalila Ippólito, Gabriela Chávez, Vanesa Santana, Chiara Singarella.
Booked: Miriam Mayorga (45).
South Africa Women: Kaylin Swart; Karabo Dhlamini, Bongeka Gamede, Bambanani Mbane, Lebogang Ramalepe; Noxolo Cesane (Sibulele Holweni 54), Refiloe Jane (Kholosa Biyana 25 (Tiisetso Makhubela 54)), Hildah Magaia, Linda Motlhalo (Mapula Kgoale 83), Jermaine Seoposenwe; Thembi Kgatlana (Melinda Kgadiete 83).
Subs not used: Andile Dlamini, Kebotseng Moletsane, Fikile Magama, Wendy Shongwe, Robyn Moodaly, Gabriela Salgado, Noko Matlou.
Booked: Kholosa Biyana (43), Tiisetso Makhubela (56).
Referee: Anna-Marie Keighley.
Attendance: 8,834
