Thembi Kgatlana’s goal on the clock at 90 + 2 minute took Banyana Banyana to their firsts as they beat Italy 3 – 2 in Group G’s final match of the women’s cup played at Wellington Regional Stadium.
- First victory in FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia & New Zealand.
- First qualification for the next round of the tournament.
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana started the game on a shaky ground as they conceded penalty within 10 minutes, which Arianna Caruso converted.
When road seems rough and tough for the South African ladies, Italian Benedetta Orsi gave Banyana Banyana when her goalkeeper misjudged a back pass from her. The ball went straight to the net for an equaliser.
Kgatlana not only scored the final goal, but she was instrumental in assisting Banyana’s second goal when she pushed the ball through defenders to Hilda Magaia, who comfortably netted comfortably.
Italy levelled the score in the 74th minute, but Banyana Banyana fought gallantly to the last minute of the game. It was attack after attack and two minutes in the added time, Kgatlana brought South Africa to a jubilation with the third goal.
Banyana Banyana finished second in Group G with 4 points and Sweden topped the group with 9 points.
Goals scorers:
Banyana Banyana – Benedetta Orsi (32nd minute OWN Goal ), Hilda Magaia (67th minute), Thembi Kgatlana (90 +2nd minute)
Italy – Arianna Caruso (11th minute Penalty, 74th minute)
