Sweden lead South Africa 3-0 at the interval of their Olympic Group F encounter in Coventry.
It was Sweden who made a storming start to the match and they took the lead after just seven minutes when Nilla Fischer turned the ball home from close range.
It was so nearly two moments later, but Marie Hammarstrom could only strike the post from inside the box.
Sweden did secure their second after 20 minutes when Hammarstrom found Lisa Dahlkvist, and the striker slipped the ball home from close range.
It got worse for South Africa just seconds later when Lotta Schelin produced a cool finish into the corner.
South Africa were not without their chances, and Andisiwe Mgcoyi so nearly met a Portia Modise cross 10 minutes before the break.
