Banyana Banyana of South Africa joins Nigeria to keep Africa on the map in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup by qualifying past Italy in an outstanding fashion to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
After lacklustre performances from Zambia and Morocco, who regained their honour to secure big wins in their last group stage games, the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations winners took the game to the Italians to secure a 3-2 win after more than 110 minutes of intense football.
Some nice moments were captured from the game as Banyana Banyana secured Africa’s second knockout ticket.
Comeback: complete. ✅@Banyana_Banyana | #FIFAWWC
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 2, 2023
South Africa 3–2 Italy: The match as it happened
Things got a bit scary from the start as Italy, who were on three points prior to their meeting with Banyana Banyana, peppered their opponents’ defence.
They eventually caused a mistake to happen leading to a penalty which was buried past Kaylin Swart in South Africa’s goal by Arianna Caruso.
It took a little while for the 2022 Women’s AFCON winners to get in the game but in the 32nd minute, South Africa forced Italy to make a mistake of their own. Benedetta Orsi scored an own goal to give Banyana Banyana a lifeline, which saw them rise to two points. That was still behind Italy on the table and it became clear that they needed to win to qualify.
That fighting spirit which they have shown throughout the tournament was ignited and in the second half, Hildah Magaiah got on the scoresheet to give them the lead. It was not a long lead as less than ten minutes later, Caruso got a brace to keep Italy ahead of South Africa on the table.
It looked to be the end until captain fantastic Thembi Kgatlana scored what would prove to be the winner against Italy in the 92nd minute.
The goal secured Banyana Banyana’s first-ever knockout round ticket in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, giving Africa another opportunity to go a little further in the tournament.
They will now face the Netherlands in the round of 16.
South Africa have qualified for the knockout stages of a senior World Cup tournament for the first time in the nation's history.
Banyana Banyana. 🇿🇦#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/GDfgNZjEc1
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 2, 2023
Best pictures from Banyana Banyana vs Italy at the FIFA WWC AUS/NZ
Many interesting moments were captured by the photographers on duty at the Group G curtain closer between South Africa and Italy. See some of them below.
Stay tuned to Goalball Live for excellent coverage on the African teams at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 months ago
