PUNCH
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, on Wednesday, beat Italy 3-2 to qualify for the Round of 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
South Africa’s Chrestinah Kgatlana’s scored a 93rd-minute winner in stoppage time to seal a second-round qualification. This is a historical feat for the South Africans as it is their first time ever.
Although South Africa led 2-1 with Magaia strike in the 67th minute, Italy levelled the scores after a crucial header from Arianna Caruso.
Italy needed at least a draw to qualify for the knockout round but Kgatlana’s late strike was the difference. The Africans finished on four points, behind group leaders Sweden. They join the Super Falcons of Nigeria in the next round of the tournament
South Africa’s Bayana Bayana will play the Netherlands in the last 16 on Sunday, while Nigeria will face England on Monday.
