SOUTH AFRICA DEFEATS ITALY TO GO TO THE ROUND OF 16 FOR THE FIRST TIME.

After defeating Italy in a Group G match on Wednesday in Wellington, South Africa became the first African nation to advance to the round of 16 of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

In its second tournament appearance, South Africa earned their first win in Women’s World Cup history with a 3-2 victory in the last group stage match.

After Sweden defeated Argentina to win group G’s top spot, it joined the Banyana Banyana in making it to the round of 16.

South Africa joins Cameroon and Nigeria (1999, 2019, 2023) as the third African teams to advance to the knockout rounds.

Arianna Carusso’s penalty gave Italy the lead in the 11th minute, but South Africa fought back, forcing an own goal from Benedetta Orsi after a careless backpass in the 32nd minute, and scored through Hildah Magaia in the second half to take the lead.

Ten minutes later, Carusso scored again from a corner, but Thembi Kgatlana of South Africa shocked the Azzurre with the game-winning goal in the 92nd minute to make history.

There will be more.