Argentina 2-2 South Africa: Two goals in five minutes cap dramatic comeback

Cormac Pearson
Press Association
South Africa's Thembi Kgatlana battles for the ball with Argentina’s Lorena Benitez and Aldana Cometti
South Africa's Thembi Kgatlana battles for the ball with Argentina’s Lorena Benitez and Aldana Cometti

Two goals in five minutes capped a dramatic comeback from Argentina to secure a draw against South Africa in Dunedin.

Down 2-0 with less than 20 minutes of regulation time left, Argentina looked down and out after some lapses in concentration led to two South African goals.

But a stunning, dipping shot from more than 20 yards out from Sophia Braun in the 74th minute and a glancing header just five minutes later nullified South Africa’s lead.

The first goal of the match came in the 32nd minute, created by a costly breakdown from the Argentinian defence.

South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana looked offside to the eye but the defence stopped and gave the striker a free run.

Kgatlana centred it to an open Linda Motlhalo who guided an easy shot into the back of the net.

Both sides seemed to think the play was offside but one team played the whistle and it proved decisive.

South Africa had their second goal in the 66th minute, this time through Kgatlana.

Argentinian defender Aldana Cometti held on to the ball for too long in a dangerous area, only to get dispossessed by Jermaine Seoposenwe who found Kgatlana in the centre of the box.

Kgatlana made no mistake, drilling the shot into the back of the net.

The comeback keeps both sides at the bottom of Group G with one game left each in the group stages.

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Women's World CupArgentinaArgentina WSouth AfricaSouth Africa W