Banyana Banyana make history as they qualify for their first knockout stage at the World Cup after a 3-2 victory over Italy at the Wellington Regional Stadium.
The win was also Banyana’s first ever win at the World Cup.
Desiree Ellis’ side started slow and found themselves trailing in the opening 15 minutes after Caruso Arianna converted a penalty for Italy in the 11th minute.
Then, against the run of play, Banyana were presented with a gift in the 32nd minute when Orsi Benedetta’s no look back pass attempt caught her goalkeeper sleeper to bring South Africa level. The two teams went to the half-time break deadlocked at 1-1.
Banyana then took a lead 2-1 after Thembi Kgatlana’s run and a perfect reverse pass found Hildah Magaia on the run, to slot the ball past the Italy goalkeeper in the 67th minute.
However, it took Italy only seven minutes to find the equalizer through Arianna.
The African Champions were not to be denied a historical a victory as the captain of the day, Kgatlana, found a winner with a clinical finish in referee’s added time to send Banyana Banyana in the Round of 16.
Banyana will take on the Netherlands in the last-16 on 6 August 2023 at the Allianz Stadium.
Written by: Diski Voice
