In a riveting display of skill, determination and sheer tenacity, the South African women’s national soccer team has etched their names in history by securing a stunning victory against Italy in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Thembi Kgatlana scored a last-gasp winner to give South Africa their first-ever Women’s World Cup win as they defeated Italy 3-2, qualifying for the last-16 round of the tournament and sending the Italians home.
Facing Italy was no easy feat. Italy, a formidable opponent with a rich soccer heritage, presented a daunting challenge to South Africa.
They fought like warriors,” said an emotional coach Desiree Ellis, who was a founding member of the South African women’s side in 1993.“They fought
Banyana Banyana displayed their cohesive gameplay, strategic maneuvers.
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Karabo Dhlamini tripped Italy forward Chiara Beccari just inside the box in the 10th minute and Caruso put the penalty in the bottom left corner of the net.
South Africa equalised in the 32nd minute through an own goal.
Banyana Banyana went ahead in a frantic finale and in the 67th minute, Kgatlana’s neat inside pass found Hildah Magaia free behind the defensive line and the forward swept it into the net.
Caruso grabbed her second of the match seven minutes later from a corner.
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It looked as though Italy might hang on for the draw in a frantic finale but Magaia’s pass found Kgatlana in the box and the striker smashed the ball into the net to secure second place in the group behind Sweden.
