Thembi Kgatlana scored in added time to finally hand South Africa their long-awaited first win at the FIFA Women’s World Cup with a 3-2 win over Italy at the Wellington Regional Stadium on Wednesday. It also earned them a spot in the knockout phase for the first time.
Banyana Bayana saw victories slip from their grasp against Sweden and Argentina in their previous games after taking the lead against them but ultimately lost 2-1 and drew 2-2 respectively.
Against the Le Azzurre however, Desiree Ellis’ ladies went behind in the 11th minute when Arianna Caruso scored from the penalty spot. South Africa were able to respond 21 minutes later with forward Benedetta Orsi putting the ball into her own net to make things level going into the half-time break.
The reigning Women Africa Cup of Nations champions retook the lead in the 67th minute when 2018 Women Footballer of the Year winner Thembi Kgatlana’s brilliant pass found Hildah Magaia who finished off the rest. Just like South Africa have struggled to maintain a lead at this Women’s World Cup, Italy made it 2-2 seven minutes later as Caruso completed her brace.
South Africa are through to the knockout stages for the first time in their #FIFAWWC history! ????????
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 2, 2023
Bayana finally made it stick in the third minute of 11 additional minutes with Magaia finding Kgatlana this time to net the winner. The game also saw 20-year-old University of Pretoria student Wendy Shongwe make her debut, coming on for Magaia in added time.
The historic result sees South Africa join Sweden in the knockout phase after their 2-0 win over Argentina in Italy in Hamilton.
