Banyana Banyana are through to knockout round of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup with a thrilling 3-2 win over Italy on Wednesday morning.
Captain Refiloe Jane was an obvious absentee through injury, but was replaced by Robyn Moodaly while there was also a first start for Noko Matlou as Thembi Kgatlana captained the side.
Italy settled the quickest as a foul by Karabo Dlamini on the cusp of the area led to a penalty, which Arianna Caruso tucked into the bottom-corner 11 minutes after the start.
The African champions were close again near the midway point when a first-time shot outside the area by Moodaly bounced off the upright and back into the field of play.
However, a slice of good fortune gave Banyana a way back two minutes from the half-hour mark after a misplaced pass from Benedetta Orsi rolled in the back of her own net.
The Azzurri almost restored the lead right thereafter through a snap shot in the area following a corner-kick, but hit the post before Banyana scrambled a last-ditch clearance.
Coach Desiree Ellis made a change for Banyana after halftime and removed Moodaly to bring on Mapula Kgaole, with the Azzurri unchanged.
The South Africans didn't lose shape and took the lead at the midway stage of the second half when Hildah Magaia beat the offside trap and slammed in Kgatlana's reverse pass.
Kgatlana almost gave the African champions a third goal after four minutes through a pin-point header in the area from a cross, but it was repelled by the Italian goalkeeper.
Italy rallied back over the last ten minutes as Caruso showed great strength on the near side of the area to nod in a corner and completed a brace.
With time running out, Banyana restored the lead in the lengthy stoppage time when an unmarked Kgatlana side-footed in a low cross from Magaia.
Banyana controlled the final minutes to grab their first World Cup win and in addition a spot in the last 16 ahead of the Italians.
Confirmed line-ups:
South Africa: Swart, Gamede, Matlou, Mbane, Ramalepe, Dhlamini, Motlahlo, Moodaly, Magaia, Kgtalana, Seoposenwe
Italy: Durante, Orsi, Di Guglielmo, Linari, Boattin, Giugliano, Bonansea, Beccari, Dragoni, Caruso, Giancinti
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