South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana celebrates after scoring the 3-2 during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 soccer group G match between South Africa and Italy, in Wellington, New Zealand, 02 August 2023. Photo: EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO
WATCH: Thembi Kgatlana strikes stoppage time winner to send Banyana Banyana through!
Thembi Kgatlana provided the composed finish that will see Banyana Banyana through to the round of 16 at the Fifa Women’s World Cup.
South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana celebrates after scoring the 3-2 during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 soccer group G match between South Africa and Italy, in Wellington, New Zealand, 02 August 2023. Photo: EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO
Thembi Kgatlana provided the composed finish that will see Banyana Banyana through to the round of 16 at the Fifa Women’s World Cup.
Kgatlana gets the glory for scoring the winner but credit must also go to Hildah Magaih, who had scored earlier to put Banyana in front for the first time in the 67th minute.
Magaih showed great close control to beat the defence and then produce a masterclass of attacking play, keeping her head down as she perfectly squared for Kgatlana to slot home.
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WATCH: Perfect finish from Thembi Kgatlana makes history
South Africa are now the third African team to progress beyond the group stage at the Fifa Women’s World Cup.
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Italy has let in eight goals during this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, which is one more goal than they gave up during their previous two appearances combined and the most they have ever given up during a single tournament.
It is only the second occasion in the history of the tournament that they have given up multiple goals in back-to-back games, the first time was against Germany and Norway in 1991.
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Drama until the end
After rallying back to defeat Italy 3-2, Banyana Banyana advanced to the World Cup’s knockout rounds for the first time. Caruso gave Le Azzurre the lead from the penalty spot in the 11th minute, but South Africa tied the score when Orsi played a careless backpass that beat Durante. Magaia gave them the lead in the second half with a beautiful lifted finish. They were pushed back, though, when Caruso turned in a corner from close range less than ten minutes later. Kgatlana’s close-range goal in the 92nd minute gave South Africa its first-ever Women’s World Cup victory, but the match wasn’t over yet.
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It was a tense and tight finish with the game going 16 minutes into stoppage time before the whistle finally blew.
