Argentina and South Africa played to an exciting 2-2 draw in their Women’s World Cup Group G clash at Dunedin Stadium on Friday, keeping both teams alive in the tournament but denting their hopes of progressing.
The match was a close affair throughout, with both teams creating chances. Argentina took the lead in the first half through Florencia Bonsegundo, but South Africa equalized in the second half through Jermaine Seoposenwe. Argentina then took the lead again through Romina Nunez, but South Africa equalized again through Linda Motlhalo.
The draw leaves both teams in third place in their group, and they will need to win their next matches to have a chance of qualifying for the knockout stage.
The match was a physical affair, with both teams battling for every inch of the pitch. Argentina had the better of the first half, and they took the lead through Bonsegundo in the 22nd minute. Bonsegundo scored with a brilliant strike from outside the box, curling the ball into the top corner of the net.
South Africa came out stronger in the second half, and they equalized in the 64th minute through Seoposenwe. Seoposenwe scored with a low shot from inside the box, after being set up by Thembi Kgatlana.
Argentina then took the lead again in the 74th minute through Nunez. Nunez scored with a header from a corner kick, after being set up by Bonsegundo.
However, South Africa refused to give up, and they equalized again in the 82nd minute through Motlhalo. Motlhalo scored with a low shot from inside the box, after being set up by Kgatlana.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw, keeping both teams alive in the tournament but denting their hopes of progressing.
The draw was a disappointing result for both Argentina and South Africa. Argentina will need to win their next match against Canada to have a chance of qualifying for the knockout stage, while South Africa will need to win their next match against Chile to have a chance of progressing.
