Banyana Banyana advanced to the Women's World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history after defeating Italy 3-2 on Wednesday morning.
2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
Result: South Africa 3-2 Italy
Date: 02 August 2023
Venue: Wellington Regional Stadium
Veteran defender Nokou Matlou was given her first start for Banyana at the tournament, while Robin Moodaly came in for captain Refiloe Jane, who was included on the bench after recovering from the injury she sustained against Argentina.
The South Africans got off to the worst possible start after Italy were awarded a penalty on nine minutes for Karabo Dhlamini's foul on Chiara Beccari in the box. Arianna Caruso stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick.
After the early set back, Banyana went close to getting back on level terms on 20 minutes when the ball dropped kindly to Moodaly, who unleashed a first-time strike that crashed against the upright.
The African champions got back on level terms in the 31st minute in surprising fashion as Italy defender Benedetta Orsi sent the ball into her own net after attempting to pass the ball back to goalkeeper Francesca Durante.
Banyana's joy was nearly short-lived as their failure to defend set-pieces almost proved detrimental once again, as Beccari rose above her marker to meet a corner but her header crashed against the upright before the ball was cleared.
Banyana came out firing in the second half and managed to take the lead on 67 minutes when some good work by Kgatlana ended with Hildah Magaia firing into the far corner for her second goal of the tournament.
The South Africans had a chance to extend their lead three minutes later when Magaia's cross found Kgatlana, who saw her close-range header brilliantly saved by Durante.
However, Banyana's struggles with defending corners came back to haunt them as Italy pulled level with 16 minutes left on the clock when Cristiana Girelli's header at the near post was turned home by Arianna Caruso, with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) confirming the goal.
The Italians nearly took the lead on 86 minutes but goalkeeper Kaylin Swart produced a superb save to deny Sofia Cantore from point-blank range, before Durante did well to keep out an awkward cross at the other end.
However, Banyana got the winning goal in the second minute of time added on when Magaia collected a pass from Jermaine Seoposenwe before unselfishly picking out Kgatlana for the composed finish to send the African champions to the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
Here's how they lined up:
South Africa: Swart, Gamede, Matlou, Mbane, Ramalepe, Dhlamini, Motlahlo, Moodaly, Magaia, Kgtalana, Seoposenwe
Italy: Durante, Orsi, Di Guglielmo, Linari, Boattin, Giugliano, Bonansea, Beccari, Dragoni, Caruso, Giancinti
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