South Africa stun Italy to set Netherlands knockout date

South Africa’s Banyana Banyan Thembi Kgatlana scored a last-gasp late winner to set a date with the Netherlands.

The Banyana Banyana ladies made the history of reaching the knockout stages of the Women’s Word Cup last sixteen for the first time in their #FIFAWWC history.

South Africa scored an added-time winner to stun Italy 3-2 at Wellington Regional Stadium to book their last-16 spot at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

As a result, they will face the Netherlands at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday in what will be their first-ever knockout game.

In the 11th minute, Italy took the lead when Arianna Caruso slotted home low from the penalty spot after Chiara Beccari had been fouled by Karabo Dhlamini.

Robyn Moodaly’s swerving shot struck the post 20 minutes before South Africa was level on 32 minutes when Benedetta Orsi’s misplaced backpass skidded past her goalkeeper Francesca Durante.

Beccari almost restored Italy’s lead in the first half when her header came back off the post – but they fell behind midway through the second half when Thembi Kgatlana slipped a clever pass through to Hildah Magaia to finish beyond Durante.

South Africa 3 – 2 Italy | Group G

Goalscorers: Arianna Caruso (11′, 74′), Benedetta Orsi (OG) (32′), Hildah Magaia (67′), Thembi Kgatlana (90+2′)

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