Banyana Banyana secured their first-ever point at the FIFA Women's World Cup after playing to a 2-2 draw against Argentina on Friday morning.
Following the heartbreaking loss to Sweden last weekend, coach Desiree Ellis handed a start to Noxolo Cesane in place of Sibulele Holweni, while Kholosa Biyana made way for Karabo Dhlamini.
Banyana saw more of the ball in the opening stages of the first half and nearly managed to get in behind with Thembi Kgatlana, who saw her route to goal blocked in the 18-yard area.
The African champions were dealt a blow at the midway point of the first stanza when Refiloe Jane was forced off with an injury and replaced by Biyana for the rest of the game.
Despite losing a key player, Banyana went on take the lead for the second game in a row through Linda Motlhalo's close-range finish, which needed the approval of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after the goal was initially ruled out for offside.
The Argentines nearly pulled one back soon after the equaliser when Mariana Larroquette skipped past Dhlamini before sending in a cross that sailed over everyone and came off the woodwork.
South Africa carried the momentum into the second half and should have been two goals up two minutes but Kgatlana miscued her strike from six-yards out after some good work by Jermaine Seoposenwe.
With Argentina looking to pull level, Ellis' charges did get their second goal in the 65th minute when Seoposenwe won possession high up the pitch and did well to put the ball on the plate for Kgatlana to smash home.
The South Americans did give themselves some with 15 minutes left in the contest when Sophia Braun found the back of the net with a powerful volley that left goalkeeper Kaylin Swart with no chance.
Four minutes later, Argentina found themselves on level terms after Yamila Rodriguez did well to pick out substitute Romina Nunez, who sent a header into the bottom corner.
Banyana will now turn their attention to their final group game against Italy on Wednesday evening, knowing only a victory will suffice.
Confirmed line-ups:
South Africa: Swart, Ramalepe, Mbane, Gamede, Cesane, Dhlamini, Motlhalo, Jane, Seoposenwe, Magaia, Kgatlana
Subs: Dlamini, Matlou, Magama, Biyana, Kgoale, Moletsane, Salgado, Shongwe, Makhubela, Kgadiete, Moodaly, Holweni
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