African Champions South Africa have written history at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after beating Italy in their final Group G match 3-2in Wellington on Wednesday.
Banyana-Banyana came into the encounter needing a win to progress into the knockout stages and Italy needing a draw. Sweden finished first in the Group with nine points followed by South Africa with four points, while Italy ended in third with three points and Argentina last with just a point.
Coach Desiree Ellis made two changes to the side that drew with Argentina last week brining in Robyn Moodaly and Noko Matlou. The game was balanced with no threats for either side in the opening nine minutes but in the 10th Karabo Dhlamini fouled Chiara Beccari in the box and Italy won a penalty which Arianna Caruso converted to hand the European side the lead.
Banyana captain on the day Thembi Kgatlana could have equalised with a shot from range two minutes later but it went wide. In the 20th minute Jermaine Seoposenwe found Moodaly who was denied by the woodwork. A minute later Seoposenwe had a shot but kicked into the Italian keeper’s hands. Ellis’ charges got a gift in the 32nd minute when Benedetta Orsi scored an own goal while passing back to her own keeper. A minute later Banyana survived a dangerous corner. The Italians tried in extra time to regain their lead but it wasn’t to be as the game went into the break tied at 1-1.
In the second half Banyana coach replaced Moodaly with Nomvula Kgoale in midfield. Soon after South Africa conceded a free-kick just outside the box but Lisa Boattin’s attempt went wide. There was a real threat from Valentina Giancinti in the 50th minute which forced Kaylin Swart to come out and make a save. Three minutes later it was South Africa when Seoposenwe found Kgatlana but the latter hit the side of the net.
There was another chance for Banyana to grab the lead in the 57th minute with a pass from Hildah Magaia found Seoposenwe but her shot landed in the keeper’s hands. 10 minutes later Kgatlana found Magaia and she made sure to slot the goal home giving South Africa the lead. For the first time in the game. South Africa could have extended the lead in the 71st minute through Kgatlana but it wasn’t fruitful.
Three minutes later they were made to pay for not converting their chances as Caruso found the equaliser from a corner which made sure Italy progressed as second best in their Group.
But this time it was Banyana who had the last laugh after Thembi Kgatlana scored the much-celebrated winner in the second minute of injury-time.
