By The Numbers – Banyana Matchday 2

Banyana Banyana’s second Group game of the Women’s World Cup ended in more disappointment, as the African champions blew away a two-goal lead to draw with Argentina. It was the third time Banyana had opened the scoring in a World Cup game (including one game in 2019), and the third time they gave that lead away. While they still secured a point from the ordeal, this occasion will hurt the most, as they were the dominant side on many metrics. We dig into some of the key numbers from this heartbreaker of a result.

1 – For the first time in World Cup history, an African side led by 2 goals, but failed to win the game.

Banyana are the first African side to open the scoring three times in their first two World Cup tournaments. If there is one thing you can not charge Desiree Ellis’ side with, it is fear. Against Argentina (just like the 1st game), their composure on the ball and technical ability were evident early on. They bossed the Argentinians all over the pitch, and looked like experienced campaigners on the grand stage.

8 – African nations that have taken part in the FIFA Women’s World Cup

3 – times Banyana has opened the scoring at the tournament

1 – African teams that have taken the lead on more occasions (Nigeria)

60% – of games where Banyana has taken the lead (no other African team has more than 33%)

The sadness from this result should not make us forget that this was Banyana’s first-ever point at a World Cup. Their second World Cup tournament has been significantly better than the first, with the team creating more chances, taking more shots and ultimately producing more goals. Attacking-wise, the improvement is plain to see, with the girls producing almost three times the quality of chances as their opponents on the day – 2.1xG v 0.8xG (See below).

3 – goals scored by Banyana in this World Cup (1 scored throughout the 2019 edition)

4 – shots on target by Banyana at the 2019 World Cup

8 – shots on target by Banyana so far in New Zealand

1.2 – total xG for Banyana in three games of the 2019 World Cup

2.06 – total xG for Banyana v Sweden alone

13 – penalty box touches for Banyana at the 2019 World Cup

23 – penalty box touches Banyana so far in New Zealand (2 games)

As impressive as the overall attack has been, the in-game management of that attack has left a lot to be desired. In Matchday 1 we bemoaned how the attack hibernated from the 50th minute with only one goal as security (not taking any shots until injury time). Against Argentina, they at least got the second goal, but the same problem haunted them from the 2nd goal. The threat timeline below shows how it was all Argentina from the 66th minute onwards:

3 – shots by Argentina after the 66th minute (two on target)

1 – shots by Banyana after the 66th minute (0 on target)

Their debut World Cup may have come too early, but the side seems settled and experienced now. After all, they are African champions. Yet, some players in this team may not be around for the next WAFCON and World Cups and this may be the best opportunity for getting that first win. If this is a golden generation, it would be a massive regret should they fail to reach the knockout round.