FIFA Women’s World Cup: Thembi Kgatlana in Tears As South Africa Beat Italy to reach Round of 16

• Thembi Kgatlana produced a 5-star performance as South Africa defeated Italy to reach the second round of the FIFA Women’s World Cup
• The Banyana Banyana striker struck the winner for her side in the second minute of stoppage-time
• She was moved to tears in emotional scenes as players and members of the technical crew mobbed her

Thembi Kgatlana was moved to tears as Banyana Banyana produced an extraordinary performance to defeat Italy 3-2 at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Going into the final group match, South Africa needed a win to progress to the second round, while a draw would have been enough for their Italian counterparts.

But it was Kgatlana who struck the winner in the second minute of stoppage-time to give her side a famous victory.

Arianna Caruso had opened the scoring for Italy from a controversial penalty in the 11th minute, but Benedetta Orsi stunned her side when she scored an own goal to draw the African side level.

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Hildah Tholakele Magaia gave South Africa the lead in the 67th minute, but Caruso completed her brace from close range in the 74th minute to put the Italians back in contention.

However, while the result favoured the Europeans as of the regulation time, Kgatlana had other plans when she tucked home the winner in the second minute of stoppage time.

Italy battled hard to get a third goal, but somehow the Africans were resolute as they protected the lead.

It ended South Africa 3-2 Italy.

Tears of joy for Kgatlana

As soon as the match referee sounded the final whistle, Kgatlana went down on the turf as she was moved to tears.

Teammates and technical crew members moved close to her to congratulate her for a job well done.

Banyana Banyana are now through to the knockout stage for the first time in their history at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

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They will face the 2019 finalists, the Netherlands, in the round of 16, Vavel reports.

Nigeria through to knockouts

Sports Brief earlier reported that the Super Falcons of Nigeria are through to the knockout phase of the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Asisat Oshoala and her teammates were involved in a highly tactical clash against the Republic of Ireland, which produced no goals.

Australia topped the group with six points, with Nigeria also progressing on five.