SOUTH AFRICA secured their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup victory today by beating Italy 3-2 in their final Group G fixture in Wellington, New Zealand.
With the win, the African champions advanced to the round of 16 for the first time ever, in only their second World Cup.
Thembi Kgatlana struck the winner in the 92nd minute after Italy had battled back to 2-2 from being 2-1 down.
Italy needed a draw to secure passage to the knockout rounds but the resilient Banyana Banyana dug deep to win and finish second in the group behind Sweden, joining Nigeria’s Super Falcons in the last 16.
The Europeans got off to the perfect start when they were awarded a penalty as Karabo Dhlamini fouled Chiara Beccari just inside the box, and Arianna Caruso calmly converted in the 11th minute.
South Africa were gifted the equaliser as Benedetta Orsi, playing her first World Cup match, hit a no-look back pass to goalkeeper Francesca Durante and it rolled into her own net in the 32nd minute.
Hildah Magaia put South Africa in the lead in the 67th minute but Italy pegged them back through Caruso seven minutes later, before Kgatlana struck the last-gasp winner.
South Africa, whose only other Women’s World Cup experience was in France four years ago, will play Group E winners the Netherlands on Sunday in the round of 16.
Sweden ended the group stages with a perfect record by beating Argentina 2-0 today.
