After Nigeria, South Africa also secured their tickets for the round of 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup underway in New Zealand and Australia. The Banyana Banyana disqualified Italy on Wednesday in their last group stage match.
Italy lost 3-2 to South Africa in a tense game today, with both teams chasing second place in Group G led by Sweden who have not lost a game so far.
In terms of possession, Italy led the game from the start and a first goal reinforced it already in the 11th minute thanks to a penalty converted by Caruso. The South Africans, however, managed to equalise before the end of the first half.
Back from the locker room, Magaia gave the advantage to Banyana Banyana with a second goal at 67′. The Italian goal scorer will also find the equalizer a few minutes later (74th).
A draw in this match would have been synonymous with the disqualification of the South African team, which had not even recorded a single victory in the past unlike its opponents. Alternatively, in added time (90’+2), South African striker Thembi Kgatlana offered her team a first victory in the competition qualifying them for the next stage.
As for the round of 16, South Africa will face the Netherlands on August 6, while Nigeria will face England the following day.
The other African team looking for the same result is Morocco. In Group H, the Altas Lionesses will face a strong Colombian side tomorrow at 10am GMT.