Banyana Banyana have collected their first ever win at a Women’s World Cup to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time.
An own from Italy’s Orsi Benedetta gave Banyana Banyana a lifeline in their final group match against the italians in the 2023 Women’ World Cup
Banyana started the match on a low, looking very shaky at the back and eventually conceded a penalty in the first 10 minutes which Italy converted.
In beating Italy 3-2 at the Wellington Regional Stadium on Wednesday, they became the first South African national side to qualify for the round of 16 at a football World Cup.
It was also Banyana’s first ever World Cup win and it came when they needed it the most.
With Sweden seeing off Argentina 2-0 in Hamilton in the other Group G fixture, all Banyana Banyana needed to do was win and goals from Hildah Magaia and Thembi Kgatlana, along with an own goal from Benedetta Orsi ensured they had their famous day.
Adriana Caruso scored a brace for Italy, one from the spot and one headed in, setting up the most dramatic finish.
Kgatlana’s winner, with the scores locked at 2-2, came in the 92nd minute.
Banyana will now face the Netherlands in the round of 16 on Sunday.