Banyana Banyana of South Africa defeated Italy 3-2 on Wednesday to advance to the Round of 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Chrestinah Kgatlana of South Africa scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time in the 93rd minute to guarantee an historic second-round qualification.
While South Africa had a 2-1 lead thanks to a goal from Magaia in the 67th minute, Italy tied the game thanks to an important header from Arianna Caruso.
To advance to the knockout phase, Italy needed at least a draw, but Kgatlana’s late goal made all the difference. Africa placed last in the group with four points, four behind Sweden. In the following round of the competition, they will play alongside the Super Falcons of Nigeria.
Bayana Bayana of South Africa will face the Netherlands in the last 16 on Sunday, while Nigeria will face England on Monday.
