Kgatlana's dramatic late winner propels South Africa into Round of 16 as Italy exit
Thembi Kgatlana Credit: Harriet Lander - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
In a thrilling Group G clash at the FIFA Women's World Cup, South Africa stunned Italy 3-2 thanks to a dramatic late winner by Thembi Kgatlana at the Wellington Regional Stadium.
This victory sealed South Africa's place in the last-16 where they will face the Netherlands.
Italy had initially taken the lead just 11 minutes into the game when Arianna Caruso netted a penalty after Chiara Beccari was fouled by South Africa's Karabo Dhlamini.
Despite the setback, South Africa rebounded and leveled the score at 32 minutes, courtesy of a misdirected backpass by Italy's Benedetta Orsi that unintentionally found its way past her own goalkeeper, Francesca Durante.
Italy nearly regained the lead in the first half, with Beccari's header striking the post.
However, South Africa took the upper hand midway through the second half when Thembi Kgatlana cleverly set up Hildah Magaia, who drove the ball past Durante, putting the Banyana Banyana ahead.
Caruso's second goal of the match, a deflected header, brought Italy back on even terms, seemingly giving them a lifeline.
However, a fantastic save from South Africa's goalkeeper Kaylin Swart kept Italy from taking the lead.
With the game hanging in the balance, Kgatlana seized the moment, netting a decisive goal in the second minute of added time off a pass from Magaia.
This late winner sealed South Africa's historic progression into the last-16, eliminating Italy who needed just a point to advance.
South Africa's coach Desiree Ellis expressed immense pride in her team: "They fought like warriors...They fought to be historically remembered and they’ve made history not just getting our first win, but going to the round of 16 and that is freaking amazing."
On the other hand, Italy's coach, Milena Bertolini, showed disappointment but also a belief in the future of her team, expressing: "This World Cup also served to raise young girls that Italian women's football will meet in the future...I hope I have left a legacy with this young team."
