Banyana Banyana began their 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Sweden, who netted a late winner on Sunday morning.
Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini was named on the bench as coach Desiree Ellis preferred Kaylin Swart, while star forwards Thembi Kgatlana, Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hildah Magaia started in the attack.
It was a positive start from Ellis' charges where a long-range drive from Jane nearly trickled in off the underside of the crossbar but instead ended hitting the top of the net.
Banyana continued to apply pressure and managed to see another chance through a fierce shot from outside the area by Jermaine Seoposenwe following the half-hour mark.
The Blue and Yellow got their first decent chance five minutes to halftime when Kosovare Asllani made a big leap and nodded over from a pin-point corner-kick.
Banyana enjoyed the strong finish to the half though as Kgatlana showed a burst speed from a quick transition and arrowed over target.
Ellis' side maintained momentum two minutes in the second half and were ahead when Magaia reacted quick to a loose ball off a spill by Zecira Musovic and bundled over the line.
Magaia was removed minutes later after sustaining a knock whilst converting, as Gabriela Salgado come on to take her place on the field.
However, Sweden pulled level midway in the second half when Fridolina Rolfo capitalised on a mis-kick by Lebohang Ramalepe and guided past the diving arms of Swart.
With their tails up, the Swedes went ahead in the last minute to full-time after Amanda Ilestedt towered on the end of a corner and headed past the outstretched leg of Salgado.
Ilestedt could've had a brace in the final seconds with another header from yet another corner, but Swart palmed away as the Swedes held on for maximum points.
Confirmed line-ups:
South Africa: Swart, Ramalepe, Mbane, Gamede, Holweni, Jane, Biyana, Motlhahlo, Seoposenwe, Magaia, Kgatlana
Subs: Dlamini, Matlou, Moletsane, Magama, Cesane, Kgoale, Dhlamini, Salgado, Shongwe, Makhubela, Kgadiete, Moodaly
Sweden: Musovic, Andersson, Ilestedt, Eriksson, Bjorn, Rubensson, Angeldahl, Rytting Kaneryd, Asllani, Rolfo, Blackstenius
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