Arsenal’s Ilestedt nets late winner for Sweden against South Africa | OneFootball

Arsenal defender Amanda Ilestedt netted the winning goal as Sweden recorded a 2-1 victory over South Africa in their opening group match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2o23.

It looked as though Sweden were set for a frustrating evening in Wellington but Ilestedt came to her side’s rescue by heading home the winning goal from a corner kick at the death.

Both sides had their moments in a goalless first half. South Africa looked to open Sweden up with their wide play while at the other end, goalkeeper Kaylin Swart kept the Swedes at bay with some questionable goalkeeping.

Sweden had penalty claims when the ball hit the arm of Hildah Magaia in the box but VAR deemed that no offence had occurred.

South Africa had got plenty of players behind the ball in the first half as they doggedly defended their goal and they provided Sweden with a very different problem early in the second half. Thembi Kgatlana’s shot was saved by Swedish keeper Zećira Mušović but Magaia was there to bundle the loose ball home.

Sweden struggled to get back into the game but they were given a lifeline in the 65th minute when a cross hit a combination of Lebohang Ramalepe and Fridolina Rolfö and the ball bounced into the net.

Despite Sweden’s best efforts, the game looked set to end in a draw until defender Ilestedt got her head on the end of a corner and she netted a 90th-minute winner for her side.

Sweden face Italy in their second group match while South Africa will take on Argentina.