South Africa's 2023 FIFAWWC dreams are alive thanks to a five-star performance from Sweden against Italy.
One of Africa’s representatives at the ongoing FIFAWWC South Africa still has its World Cup destiny in its hands.
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana will go into the last game of the group stage with all to fight for after Sweden’s impressive outing against fellow Europeans Italy on Saturday afternoon.
South Africa’s position
Banyana Banyana suffered another disappointment after dropping more points against Argentina in their second game at the FIFAWWC.
The South Africans let a two-goal lead slip away as Argentina came from behind to force a share of the spoils following a 2-2 draw.
Linda Motlhalo and Thembi Kgatlana, who was involved in both goals for South Africa, put on a show against the South Americans but watched as their efforts were not enough to guarantee all three points in the end.
The result left the rainbow nation third in Group G, with two points from a possible six.
Sweden thrash Italy
However, European giant Sweden ensured South Africa will go into the last group game with a fighting chance courtesy of a comfortable afternoon against Italy.
Inspired by Amanda Ilestedt, Sweden swept through the Azzurre following a 5-0 win.
Ilestedt netted two of the goals while Jonna Andersson assisted two of the goals.
With the comprehensive performance and win, Sweden sealed one of the tickets to the knockout stages leaving the other three teams in the group to fight it out for who joins them.
What the result means for South Africa
Italy's first defeat in five matches means they will go into the final game of the group stages looking for just a point to qualify for the next round.
Sweden will face Argentina while South Africa and Italy will go head-to-head to decide who joins the Swedes in the next round.
South Africa’s Banyana Banayan need all three points against Italy to avoid booking an early ticket back home while the Italians need just a point.
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