The 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nation champions, South Africa, made history as they secured their first ever win in the women’s world cup with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Italy in Wellington to go through to the last 16 of the tournament.
The Banyana Banyana who had one point from their previous two games needed an all out win to secure a slot in the round of 16, while for Italy a draw would have seen them progress from group G.
It only took the WAFCON champions 11 minutes to be chasing the game as Karabo Dhlamini caught the heels of teenager Chiara Beccari inside the penalty area just barely 10 minutes in to the game, leading to Arianna Caruso finding the back of the net from the spot kick, but an own goal in the 32nd minute from Benedetta Orsi leveled it in the first half.
The second half started on a high as Thembi Kgatlana slipped a clever ball through the Italy defence to put Hildah Magaia through on goal and she lifted it over Durante.
Also Read: 2023 WWC: Super Falcons Secure Round of 16
Magaia goal seemed like the winner for South Africa in the 67 minute, but Caruso header completed her brace just 7 minutes later.
Kgatlana and Magaia switched roles as Magaia turned provider for Thembi Kgatlana’s 92nd-minute winner.
Coach Desiree Ellis girls are the second African nation to qualify for the round of 16, just days after the Super Falcons of Nigeria finished second in group B.
Banyana Banyana finished second with 4 points behind Sweden who finished on 9 points after a 2-0 victory against Argentina.
South Africa will on Sunday play Group E winners, Netherland who finished their group on a strong note hammering Vietnam 7-0.
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