Sophia Braun and Romina Nunez secured Argentina, who were two goals down, a 2-2 draw with South Africa.
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Linda Motlhalo and Thembi Kgatlana put Banyana Banyana two goals up
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Sophia Braun and Romina Nunez responded for La Albiceleste
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Both nations can still progress from Group G
Argentina 2-2 South Africa | Group G
Goalscorers: Linda Motlhalo (31′) Thembi Kgatlana (67′), Sophia Braun (74′), Romina Nunez (79′)
Argentina stormed home to claim a 2-2 draw with South Africa in the FIFA Women’s World Cup™.
Banyana Banyana scored in either half through Linda Motlhalo and Thembi Kgatlana, and looked comfortable before Argentina scored twice in five minutes. Sophia Braun got the first with a superb strike, before a glancing header from Romina Nunez restored parity.
Both sides pushed for a late winner, but a point was fair value.
Linda Motlhalo’s goal was originally ruled offside, but VAR eventually overturned the decision to the delight of Dunedin Stadium.
Thembi Kgatlana was incredibly influential for Banyana Banyana, setting up the first and scoring the second. But Argentina came roaring back, with Braun’s stunning strike from 25 metres out giving her side a chance. Five minutes later, Nunez’s glancing header levelled the scores.
South Africa’s first Women’s World Cup point came at a cost, with captain Refiloe Jane stretchered off with an ankle injury. The team will also be without Kholosa Biyana for their final Group G match after she received her second yellow card of the tournament.
Both teams live to fight another day, but will need results to go their way for them to progress to the last 16.
Key stats
South Africa had never seized a Women’s World Cup point before today. It was the team’s first in five games.
Some 72% if players predicted Argentina to win in our Hyundai Match Predictor.
VISA Player of the Match
Thembi Kgatlana (RSA)
Quotes
“We had the game in our pocket but we gave away two easy goals. That’s something we’ll need to improve going into our next match. We need to keep 100 per cent focus, whether we are leading or not, and show a very good mentality until the referee blows the final whistle. Today, we made life difficult for ourselves.” Thembi Kgatlana, South Africa striker
“I’m very proud of how we came back. 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. This was a game we wanted to win but I’m proud of the team. We still have a lot to play for and I’m excited. We can’t wait for the next game against Sweden. That’s going to be a battle, they all are, but we’re ready for it.” Sophia Braun, Argentina defender
“We need to show a little bit of extra effort and take our chances. It’s the little details. We had the chance to win this game and, again, we just gave it away. We created many opportunities. But [before the game] we spoke about decision-making and the importance of playing a pass to someone in a better position and, at times, we did not do that. When you create beautiful chances and don’t put them away, the result can end up like this.” Desiree Ellis, South Africa coach
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