South Africa knock out Italy to reach round of 16 at Women's World Cup 2023

Thembi Kgatlana scored winning goal to upset Italy and book last 16 place

South Africa defeated Italy 3-2 to earn their first Women’s World Cup victory and advance to the round of 16 at the cost of their rivals thanks to a last-second goal from Thembi Kgatlana.

In order to send her squad to Sydney for a match against the Netherlands on Sunday, striker Kgatlana scored two minutes into the final period, breaking the spirits of the Italians, who simply wanted a goalless draw against South Africa to advance.

Arianna Caruso’s goal following a corner in the 74th minute appeared to give Italy the point they required but a string of late squandered opportunities left them wondering what might have been.

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During the 10th minute, Italian striker Chiara Beccari was fouled by Karabo Dhlamini within the penalty area. Caruso executed the penalty with a crisp effort towards the bottom left side of the goal.

Benedetta Orsi’s own strike in the 32nd minute gave South Africa the advantage after she failed to look for goalie Francesca Durante before completing a back pass.

In the 67th minute, Kgatlana’s deft outside ball spotted Hildah Magaia clear behind the defence, and the striker stroked the ball past the goal to give Banyana Banyana their first lead.

Seven minutes afterwards, Caruso responded with a corner when the ball clipped her hip during a scuffle in the goalmouth and slammed through the bottom right corner of the net.

In a frenetic finish, it appeared as though Italy may hold on for a point, but Kgatlana’s goal-scoring effort secured second place in the group, trailing Sweden, as Magaia’s cross located him in the box.

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