Banyana heroines! SA earn last gasp win against Italy to reach World Cup last 16
Written by Brooklyn Masuku on 2 August, 2023
Banyana Banyana have done it! 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.
HISTORY MAKERS PLEASE!!!!!😭😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️❤️🇿🇦🇿🇦
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) August 2, 2023
It was also Banyana’s first ever World Cup win and it came when they needed it the most.
This was an epic, rollercoaster of a game, and Banyana showed an abundance of heart and skill that can only stand them in good stead for the rest of the competition.
Italy took an early lead through Caruso’s 11th-minute penalty. Benedatta Orsi’s own goal for the Azzurri brought South Africa back into the game at 1-1 in the 32nd.
Although Italy played an impressive game, in the 2nd minute of that Banyana regained the lead.
Dressing room snippets 🇿🇦🔥❤️#BeyondGreatness #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/SppuoNK0GS
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) August 2, 2023
THE MVP: It was a close call between Magaia and Kgatlana who scored and helped each other with assists.
THE BIG LOSER: The whole Italy team must be blaming themselves for failing to preserve their initial lead and also allowing Banyana to take the lead again after they had equalised.
The Azzurri just needed a point from this game to proceed to the next round.
Verdict? Banyana will now prepare to face the Netherlands on Sunday in the Round of 16.
MATCH RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations once again Banyana, we approve!