By Victor Kanayo
South Africa on Wednesday shocked Italy to reach the round of 16 in the ongoing 2023 Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
The 3-2 victory is their first win at the tournament, and they have become the second African side to make knockout stage.
South Africa Cruise Control
Thembi Kgatlana’s 93rd-minute winner proved the difference after Italy fought back to level with a Arianna Caruso header.
A draw would have been enough to take Italy into the knockout rounds.
South Africa will play Group E winners the Netherlands on Sunday.
After earning a first World Cup point in their 2-2 draw with Argentina, South Africa have shown significant progress from their debut appearance at the tournament in 2019, when they lost all three group matches.
There were scenes of jubilation for the South Africa players when the final whistle confirmed they had made history for their nation.
Nigeria was the first African nation to qualify for the knockout stage after playing a goalless draw against Ireland in their last group match.
They will battle England in the next stage of the competition on Monday.
