Banyana Banyana vs Sweden: Stats and Kick-Off time

Banyana Banyana takes on Sweden in their opening match of the World Cup on Sunday morning in New Zealand.

The match will be played at the Wellington Regional Stadium at 07:00.

The South African senior women’s team captain Refiloe Jane said the team was preparing well and getting used to New Zealand conditions.

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“The preparations have been going well and the team spirit is there, everyone is gelling well with each other and the overall training camp has gone well from South Africa to New Zealand. We have acclimatized and adjusted in New Zealand…. we have settled,” said the Banyana skipper.

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BANYANA FACE DIFFICULT TASK AGAINST SWEDEN

The last time the two nations met was back in January 2019 in an international friendly that ended in a goalless draw.

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There is a lot at stake for both teams in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Group G clash with both nations hoping to start the tournament with a victory and gain some control of the group. The Europeans have gotten the better of Banyana in previous meetings and are favourites to win Sunday’s encounter.

SWEDEN HAVE DEFEATED DESIREE ELLIS’S CHARGES THREE TIMES IN FOUR PREVIOUS MEETINGS

In 2018, Sweden defeated SA 3-0 and their only meeting at an international stage was back at the 2012 London Olympics where the Europeans edged out South Africa 4-1.

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Sweden is currently ranked number 3 in the latest FIFA rankings and is among the favourites to win the tournament. They went unbeaten during the qualifiers, winning seven games and drawing at home only once.