“Can Tomorrow Be a Holiday”: Fans Go Wild as South Africa Beat Italy to Reach WWC Knockout Phase

• South Africa reached the Women's World Cup knockout stages for the first time ever
• Banyana Banyana stunned Italy with a dramatic winning goal from Thembi Kgatlana
• Football fans across social media have lauded the exploits of coach Desiree Ellis' charges

South Africa's exhilarating qualification for the last 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup has set social media ablaze.

The reigning African champions pulled off a stunning 3-2 victory against Italy, marking their first triumphant moment at the Mundial after several attempts.

Despite falling behind early in the match, Coach Desiree Ellis' charges displayed resilience and determination, mounting a comeback with a bit of help from an unexpected own goal by Benedetta Orsi.

The turning point came when Hildah Magaia capitalized on a well-executed pass from Thembi Kgatlana, putting South Africa in the lead for the first time.

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However, the contest remained tense as Juventus W midfielder, Arianna Caruso brought the Europeans back on level terms.

In a thrilling twist to the tale, star forward and team captain, Kgatlana once again teamed up with Magaia, and this time, Kgatlana managed to score a dramatic late winner, BBC reports.

This triumphant moment sealed South Africa's spot in the knockout phase of the Women's World Cup for the first time, finishing in second position with four points, just behind Sweden, according to Al Jazeera.

Social media platforms exploded with excitement and praise for the Banyana Banyana team, celebrating their historic achievement and showcasing their tenacity on the world stage.

How did fans react?

@asvpxgummi pleaded:

"Can tomorrow be a public holiday so we can celebrate properly?"

@Bobby_S wrote:

"Incredibly proud! Well Done Banyana Banyana!"

@AmbitiousChino added:

"Congratulations!! This is major. Well done, team"

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@vulture_01 revealed he went through an emotional rollercoaster in the dying embers of the game:

"I was literally shaking for the last 10 minutes or so. Good work to the girls today. The whole team played for the badge."

@BrianMagoane was elated after South Africa's qualification:

"Top 16, here we come. Well done, Banyana...You made the country proud."

Banyana reach WWC knockout stage

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that South Africa produced a stunning 3-2 victory over Italy to reach the last 16 in a thriller on Wednesday.

Captain Thembi Kgatlana scored the winner in the 92nd minute to make history for South Africa, set up a meeting with the Netherlands, and send Italy home.

Arianna Caruso scored twice for Italy and thought she had salvaged the draw they needed to go through with 16 minutes left, before Kgatlana's stunning late intervention.