Sweden kicked off the Women's Olympic Football Tournament Rio 2016 with a win against South Africa at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Nilla Fischer was the European side's goalscorer, after a sturdy performance by their opponents in a tense opening game.

Chances were at a premium throughout the first game at Rio 2016, but Sofia Jakobsson struck the crossbar early on after Lotta Schelin had been challenged by Noko Matlou.

South Africa's goalkeeper Roxanne Barker then produced a stunning save from a venomous Schelin effort, which looked to be flying into the top corner before the Heerenveen stopper intervened. Barker could only watch as Magdalena Eriksson curled in a left-footed corner from the Swedish right, which bounced off the top of the crossbar and away.

In the second half, good wing play down the right by Sofia Jakobsson saw her feed the ball into Elin Rubensson, whose blocked shot was saved by Barker.

Hedving Lindahl then had a nervy moment, as she got down smartly to stop an inswinging cross from Makhabane as the ball seemed set to creep in at her right-hand post

South Africa were made to pay for not making the most of their limited opportunities by Nilla Fischer. After something of a scramble in the South African penalty area, the defender was there to poke the ball home.

Despite a defeat, the result perhaps shows how far Pauw's side have come in the four years since London 2012, as their opening game at that tournament was also against the Swedes, who inflicted a 4-1 defeat in Coventry.

Next up for South Africa are Asian heavyweights China PR on Saturday, with Sweden facing the hosts on the same day.