2023 FIFAWWC: South Africa Advance to Knockouts

On Wednesday, South Africa stun Italy with late 3-2 victory to reach the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup's round of 16.

South Africa became the second team to reach out the round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA WWC tournament after Nigeria.

Thembi Kgatlana scored the winning goal for the Africans to give them their first Women’s World Cup victory. 

Italy opened the scoring when Karabo Dhlamini caught Chiara Beccari's foot, so it was counted as penalty for the Italians in 10:00 and Arianna Caruso performed it to the nets. 

In 22 minutes, South Africa hit the equalized through a remarkable own goal from Benedetta Orsi.

South Africa was put ahead for the first time in the game in 67:00 when Kgatlana’s found Hildah Magaia free behind the defensive line. So, she swept the ball into the net. 

Caruso equalized seven minutes later from a corner.

It seemed that Italy wanted to hang on for the draw but Magaia’s pass found Kgatlana in the area and the striker hit the ball in to reach the knockouts.