If Banyana Banyana reproduce the impressive form they showed in their opening game against Sweden on Wednesday, they can advance to the next round of the Olympics.

This is according to captain Janine van Wyk ahead of Banyana's do-or-die tie against China tomorrow (midnight SA time). Banyana narrowly lost 1-0 to Sweden in their opening fixture and will meet a Chinese, who were beaten 3-0 by hosts Brazil.

The SA women defended like Amazonian warriors against a tactically superior opponent, and a draw seemed on the cards until Swedish defender Nilla Fischer pounced on a rare error by goalkeeper Roxanne Barker in the 75th minute.

"I do not think Sweden deserved their goal at all," SA captain Van Wyk said after the Group E tie.

"We played so well. We have to keep our concentration ahead [of our gama against] China, but I'm absolutely happy with our performance."

SA, 52nd in the world, punched well above their weight against a team ranked sixth. "I hope South Africa will be proud of this team's performance," said coach Vera Pauw.

Barker said the key in the next matches would be sticking to their strategy. "[The] coach has a few tactical things . she wants us to come out in a similar way."

Sweden and Brazil play on Sunday, with the final Group E matches scheduled for Tuesday night (3am Wednesday morning SA time).