LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – South Africa defeated Italy 3-2 to advance to FIFA Women’s World Cup round of 16 for the first time ever.
The Italians, who only needed a draw to advance, were heartbroken when striker Kgatlana broke the deadlock two minutes into stoppage time, sending her team to Sydney for a match against the Netherlands on Sunday.
Arianna Caruso’s goal from a corner in the 74th minute looked to give Italy the point they needed, but a string of late squandered opportunities left them wondering what could have been.
In the 10th minute, Italy striker Chiara Beccari was fouled by Karabo Dhlamini right inside the box, and Caruso confidently scored the penalty to give his team the lead.
Benedetta Orsi’s own goal in the 32nd minute gave South Africa the advantage when she failed to look for goalie Francesca Durante before completing a back pass.
READ ALSO: WWC: Australia Knock Canada Out Of World Cup
When Hildah Magaia was left undefended behind the defence line by Kgatlana’s deft inside ball in the 67th minute, Banyana Banyana took the lead for the first time.
Seven minutes later, Caruso responded with a corner goal that sailed into the bottom right corner of the net after the ball struck her hip in a goalmouth melee.
In a frenetic finish, it appeared as though Italy would hold on for a point, but Kgatlana’s goal-scoring effort secured second place in the group, behind Sweden, as Magaia’s pass found him in the box.