South Africa secure round of 16 spot with last minutes goal

In a thrilling Women’s World Cup encounter, Thembi Kgatlana’s dramatic last-minute goal led South Africa to their first-ever World Cup win, defeating Italy 3-2 and securing their place in the last-16 round of the tournament.

The victory sent the Italians home and set up a clash with the Netherlands in Sydney on Sunday.

Striker Kgatlana became the hero of the match when she struck two minutes into stoppage time, breaking the hearts of the Italians, who needed only a draw to progress. Italy had equalized through Arianna Caruso’s goal from a corner in the 74th minute, but a series of late missed chances cost them dearly.

Emotional coach Desiree Ellis, a founding member of the South African women’s side in 1993, praised her team’s warrior-like spirit and heroic efforts. She expressed immense pride in their historic achievement, not only securing their first World Cup win but also advancing to the round of 16.

The match began with Italy taking the lead through a penalty converted by Caruso in the 10th minute. However, South Africa responded with an own goal from Benedetta Orsi in the 32nd minute, leveling the score. In the second half, Banyana Banyana went ahead when Kgatlana’s precise pass found Hildah Magaia, who skillfully put the ball into the net.

Italy fought back, with Caruso scoring her second goal from a corner, setting the stage for a tense finish. In the dying moments of the match, Magaia’s pass found Kgatlana, and the striker struck the ball with determination to secure the historic victory.

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In another match, a much-changed Sweden side secured their spot in the last 16 with a perfect record, defeating Argentina 2-0. Rebecka Blomqvist’s fantastic header in the 66th minute and Elin Rubensson’s 90th-minute penalty sealed the win for the third-ranked Swedes, who will now face holders US in a highly anticipated clash in Melbourne on Sunday.

The upcoming match between South Africa and the Netherlands, as well as the Sweden-US showdown, promise to provide exciting moments and high stakes in the Women’s World Cup journey.