In a thrilling encounter, Thembi Kgatlana’s injury-time goal secured a historic place for South Africa in the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup.
The 3-2 victory against Italy in their final Group G match in Wellington on Wednesday has propelled Banyana into the next stage, where they will face Netherlands.
For coach Des Ellis, this achievement marks an extraordinary moment of history for the country’s sport.
In their third consecutive match, South Africa demonstrated remarkable resilience, a far cry from their debut World Cup appearance four years ago. This time, they successfully sealed the deal.
Italy took an early lead through Arianna Caruso’s penalty, while an own goal by Benedetta Orsi drew South Africa level just past the half-hour mark. Hildah Magaia then gave South Africa the lead, only to see Caruso equalize for Italy from a corner.
However, Thembi Kgatlana’s close-range goal secured the triumph for South Africa, a fitting reward for her impressive performance alongside Magaia.
Italy’s early penalty, resulting from Karabo Dhlamini’s challenge on Chiara Beccari, illustrated South Africa’s occasional lapses in judgment during this tournament. Caruso efficiently converted the penalty.
Robyn Moodaly nearly leveled the score for South Africa with a well-struck shot from the edge of the box, only to be thwarted by the post.
In a stroke of fortune, Italy’s Orsi inadvertently scored an own goal from outside the box, equalizing the game for Banyana.
The goal stemmed from Orsi’s attempt to clear the ball under pressure from Thembi Kgatlana, with goalkeeper Francesca Durante unable to intervene in time.
Both teams faced near-misses, with Italy hitting the post from a header and Banyana clearing the goal-mouth scramble.
Banyana’s goalkeeper, Kaylin Swart, who had faced criticism, made a crucial save when Italy’s Valentina Giacinti was through on goal, ensuring a one-on-one situation did not result in a score.
Banyana seized the lead in the second half with an excellently executed play. Kgatlana’s skillful advance drew the Italian defense, allowing her to deliver a reverse pass that set up Magaia’s clinical finish—a testament to her finishing prowess.
In a captivating match, South Africa’s victory stands as a testament to their determination and growth on the international stage.
Italy were level when Caruso turned the ball in from a corner, even if there was a long VAR check over whether she was offside.
Banyana were headed out at that stage, but they came up with the winning moment as again Magaia was slipped in behind the Italy defence, and this time she passed rather than shot, allowing Kgatlana to make history.