Sweden fought back to grab a late goal to earn a 2-1 victory over South Africa in their Women’s World Cup opener in Wellington on Sunday.

Amanda Ilestedt, a defender for the third-ranked Swedes, scored the game-winning goal in the 90th minute, much to the relief of their fans in the miserable conditions.

Hildah Magaia’s early second-half goal, during which she sustained a game-ending injury, gave the African champions hope for an upset.

Prior to Ilestedt’s late goal from close range, the equaliser was scored by Barcelona’s Fridolina Rolfo shortly thereafter. It denied South Africa its first-ever World Cup point.

Peter Gerhardsson, the coach of Sweden, blamed “nerves and tension” for his team’s shaky World Cup debut.

Also, the players were too cautious, he said, something that would be addressed prior to their second Group G match against Italy.

“It’s ok to be nervous but you need to have the courage to still make that pass,” Gerhardsson said.

“Somewhere we need to dare. The players should feel that they have that courage. Sometimes, like today, they might choose that simpler option rather than a more difficult decision.

“I do hope we’ll be more courageous in our match against Italy.”

Sweden dominated possession, but was unable to adapt to the cold and slick conditions.

The Swedes, who were regarded as one of the tournament favourites despite a history of near-misses at the World Cup, delivered a number of poor crosses in the first half.

They also appeared susceptible to being outpaced by their opponents.

South Africa’s goal in the 48th minute was set up by Thembi Kgatlana, whose speed got her behind the defence before custodian Zecira Musovic blocked her cross.

It was bundled in by Magaia, who was tripped by Jonna Andersson at full speed and sent the ball into the goal net.

The 28-year-old Korean-based striker was treated for several minutes before exiting the game shortly thereafter to a standing ovation from South African fans.

Rolfo’s equaliser in the 65th minute was also sloppy, as she misfired after South Africa failed to clear a Johanna Kaneryd cross.

Rolfo scored her 26th goal for her country after the shot hit defender Lebohang Ramalepe, who was initially credited with an own goal.

Ilestedt, who posed a constant aerial threat, jumped highest at a corner kick to inflict misery on South Africa, who had lost all three of their World Cup debut matches.

Ilestedt, a defender for Arsenal, stated that a come-from-behind victory would provide a psychological boost.

“I felt that after we conceded the goal we really got into match a bit more and put pressure on them,” she said.

“We are really positive about the win. Really happy.”

South Africa coach Desiree Ellis said it was “cruel” her team didn’t come away with at least a point.

“On this performance, even though it was a loss, we’re very proud of the way we played,” she said.

“We had a game plan and they did exactly what we thought they were going to do.

“Decisions in the final third, if that was better, we’d be speaking about a different result right now.”

Italy and Argentina play in the group on Monday.