South Africa made history In a thrilling Group G play, When they upset Italy to reach the Women’s World Cup knockout round for the first time. South Africa beat Italy 3-2 in injury time on Wednesday. The match was 1-1 at halftime and 2-2 in the second half when South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana scored the winning goal in injury time.
The result ended Italy’s hopes of reaching the World Cup’s knockout stages. The Italian national team were expected to finish top of Group G but now they have been eliminated from the tournament.
The match was a close-fought affair from beginning to end. The Italians took the lead 11 minutes thanks to a penalty kick from Arizona Caruso. South Africa equalized 32 minutes later thanks to an own goal by Benedetta Orsi.
South Africa capitalized at 67th minute of the game and takes a lead, When Kgatlana takes the ball on the left and runs at the Italian defence and passes to Magaia. Magaia steadies herself and scores with her left foot in the far corner. But soon, Italy equalizes the goal at 74th minutes when Girelli, on as a substitute, meets a cross with a powerful header and it takes a slight touch off Caruso and flies in!
The match looked to be heading for a draw, but kgatlana scored the winning goal in the 90+2 minute. The goal was a brilliant strike from outside the box, and it sent the South African fans into wild celebrations.
The defeat was a major upset, and it will be a huge disappointment for Italy’s fans. As their team is knocked out from the tournament in a very unexpected manner.
Player of the match
Thembi Kgatlana
The diminutive striker kept the ball moving with great speed and provided assists to Magaia, who scored the goal. Throughout the game, Kgatlana kept pressing forward and was a constant threat to the Italian defense.
“South Africa, we did this one for you!” 🇿🇦🫵
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 2, 2023
Onto the knockout stages for @Banyana_Banyana! 🙌#FIFAWWC | #BeyondGreatness
Players Line-up
SouthAfrica:
Swart 6, Matlou 6, Mbane 7, Gamede 6, Dhlamini 6, Ramalepe 6, Moodaly 7, Motlhalo 7, Kgatlana 8, Seoposenwe 7, Magaia 8. Subs: Holweni 6, Kgoale 7, Shongwe 6, Makhubela 6.
Italy:
Durante 4, Orsi 5, Di Guglielmo 6, Linari 6, Boattin 6, Giugliano 6, Bonansea 7, Beccari 7, Dragoni 7, Caruso 8, Giacinti 7. Subs: Bartoli 6, Cantore 6, Girelli 6, Glionna 6, Greggi 6.
South Africa vs Italy Final Score
| Teams | 1st Half | 2nd Half | Final Score |
| South Africa | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Italy | 1 | 1 | 2 |
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
Goals :
Arianna Caruso 11′
Benedetta Orsi 32′ (OG)
Hildah Magaia 67′
Arianna Caruso 74′
Thembi Kgatlana 90+2′
Match Goal Scoring Highlights :
In the 11th minute, Carruso slots the ball into the bottom corner to give Italy the 1-0 lead
In the 32nd minute, an absolute nightmare for Italy as Orsi passes back to the keeper, but she doesn’t look where the keeper is, and the ball goes straight through her outstretched arms and into the goal.
In the 67th minute, South Africa takes the lead as Kgatlana plays a brilliant pass to Magaia, who cuts inside and slays the ball into the goal to give South Africa the 2-1 lead.
In the 74th minute, it looked as though the Super Sub, Girelli, had scored his second goal of the game with a header but it was Caruso who got the final touch.
In the 90th minute, South Africa takes the lead as Magaia pounces on a loose ball in the penalty area and slots it home to make it 3-2.
Group G standings and teams qualify to Knock out
Sweden and South Africa are heading to the knockouts. 💪#FIFAWWC
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 2, 2023
South Africa Next Match :
South Africa will now face the Netherlands in the round of 16 on August 6
Group winners Sweden have booked themselves a mouthwatering last-16 tie against the United States later that day