South Africa reaches group stage of FIFA Women’s World Cup

South Africa managed to secure a place in the round of 16 following a ferocious 3 – 2 comeback against Italy in their last Group G match at the Wellington Stadium in New Zealand.

It was a do or die match for both teams as a win would ensure they qualify for the round of 16 following as they were both tied on one point with Argentina having been already out of the race following their 2 – 0 defeat to log leaders Sweden earlier on.

Italy’s Arianna Caruso opened up the gates courtesy of a penalty in the 11th minute giving the Italians an early lead and one foot shy of entering the knockout stages.

However, a dreadful back pass from Italian defender Benedetta Orsi, just before half-time which resulted in an own goal revived South Africa’s hopes into half-time.

After half-time both times came back with a zest of wrapping up the match but it was South Africa that took the lead some 20 minutes after half-time courtesy of Hildah Magaia’s 67th minute goal.

However, South Africa’s hopes were short-lived in the 74th minute when Caruso netted in her brace of the match but little did she know that South Africa was not about to give up as Thembi Kgatlana netted in the winning goal in the 92nd minute which saw the match ending 3 -2.

“We would like to congratulate our girls for making history and bringing joy not only to 60 million South Africans, but to the African continent as a whole. Beating Italy, a country ranked several places above us, showed the determination, professionalism and focus of the African champions.

While we cherish and celebrate this historic moment, we must maintain our focus as we prepare to meet Netherlands in the second round. It’s anyone’s game now and this Banyana Banyana (South Africa) side have shown they have what it takes to go places,” said South African Football Association President Dr. Danny Jordaan.

In addition, the official sponsor of the South African team also conveyed their congratulatory message.

“Congratulations to our heroes from all 30 000 of us at Sasol, proud sponsor of Banyana for the past 14 years! We bring you all the love we can carry,” read a statement from Sasol.