Thembi Kgatlana struck in injury time to hand a gritty Banyana Banyana a dramatic and historic 3-2 win against Italy at Wellington Regional Stadium on Wednesday.
Coach Desiree Ellis and her SA troops keep on writing their own history when they reached the 2023 Women’s World Cup last 16 for the first time ever.
Banyana Banyana is the first senior team from Mzanzi to reach a World Cup knockout stage. SA will now face the Netherlands in the knockout clash (04.00 SA time) at Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday morning.
Italy took an early lead through Arianna Caruso via a 11th-minute penalty.
Benedatta Orsi’s own goal for the Azzurri restored parity for South Africa at 1-1 after the half hour mark.
Hilda Magaia put SA’s noses in front in the 67th but it was short-lived as Caruso equalized with a header for her second goal of the match.
However, the stage was set for Kgatlana who kept her cool when she slotted home the winner deep into stoppage time to hand them a historic victory.
Kaylin Swart’s reflex save late in the game also proved to be decisive and this will do her confidence a world of good. Ellis will preach that her players will now have to believe that anything is possible from here on…
One Response
Well done Banyana Banyana. Very good goals.