Banyana Banyana secured their first-ever win at the FIFA Women’s World Cup after defeating Italy 3-2 in their final group match at Wellington Regional Stadium on Wednesday.
This is the first time South Africa progress to the knockout phase of this prestigious tournament.
Italy started the game on a front foot and broke the deadlock as early as 11 minutes into the showpiece courtesy of Caruso Arianna, who scored from the spot kick.
After the goal, Desiree Ellis‘ charges upped the ante and started to take command of the contest.
South Africa continued to push forward in numbers with the hope of pulling one back, but luck was not on their side at the time.
As the first period wore on, the Italian side couldn’t capitalise on their clear-cut chances as Banyana remained solid at the back.
However, the African champions were never discouraged as they settled into the game and applied pressure to get the equaliser.
In the 32nd minute of the showdown, Banyana finally levelled matters through Orsi Benedetta’s own goal.
BANYANA BANYANA, ITALY LEVEL AT HALF-TIME BREAK
After an entertaining first half, the match went into the interval with both sides level [1-1 scoreline].
Back out for the remaining 45 minutes, the game got off to a cagey start, as the two teams hardly found any real momentum.
But, the showdown swung to life when the half progressed. However, more goals were still failing to come in.
The European side continued to put in a resilient defensive performance to rebuff the efforts of the Banyana’s attackers.
On the other hand, Italy struggled to threaten the Banyana’s goalkeeper.
Italy regained momentum to gain dominance which saw them creating a couple of scoring chances but failing to capitalise on them.
The intensity of the game towards the end of the encounter allowed the fans to enjoy a brilliant day of the mouthwatering contest.
In the 67th minute, Hildah Magaia scored the second goal for South Africa.
But that did not last long, as Caruso completed her brace in the 74th minute of the game.
THEMBI KGATLANA TO THE RESCUE
In the final minutes of the game, Thembi Kgatlana came to Banyana’s rescue to score the third goal of the day.
As a result, Banyana to progress to the knockout stage of the World Cup.
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