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Young women from South Africa and Nigeria contributing to Africa’s pride. Captain Thembi Kgatlana’s dramatic last-minute goal has propelled Banyana Banyana into the knockout stage, setting up a match against the Netherlands in the next round. Despite a strong performance by Caruso, who scored twice, the Azzurre team has been eliminated from the competition.
In a thrilling match, Thembi Kgatlana’s last-minute goal secured South Africa’s historic first-ever Women’s World Cup victory with a 3-2 win over Italy. This victory propelled South Africa into the tournament’s last 16, while unfortunately ending Italy’s journey in the competition.
Striker Thembi Kgatlana delivered a decisive blow two minutes into stoppage time, propelling her team into the next stage with a 3-2 victory over Italy and setting up a clash with the Netherlands in Sydney on Sunday. This heart-stopping win shattered the hopes of the Italians, who only needed a draw to advance.
Italy seemed to secure the necessary draw when Arianna Caruso netted a goal from a corner kick in the 74th minute. However, their late missed opportunities haunted them as South Africa’s late surge dashed their dreams.Italy took the lead in the 10th minute as Karabo Dhlamini’s foul on Italy’s forward, Chiara Beccari, led to a penalty, which Caruso confidently converted into the bottom left corner of the net. South Africa responded in the 32nd minute when an own goal from Benedetta Orsi, who failed to account for goalkeeper Francesca Durante’s position, resulted in an equalizer.
Banyana Banyana took the lead for the first time in the 67th minute when Thembi Kgatlana’s skillful pass inside found Hildah Magaia, who was positioned unmarked behind the defensive line. Magaia expertly swept the ball into the net, putting her team ahead.Italy responded seven minutes later, with Arianna Caruso capitalizing on a corner kick. The ball inadvertently struck her hip during a scramble in front of the goal, redirecting it into the bottom right corner of the net.
As the match reached its tense conclusion, it appeared that Italy might secure the draw. However, in a frenzied ending, a well-placed pass from Magaia found Kgatlana inside the box. The striker emphatically struck the ball into the net, securing a vital victory and the second spot in the group standings, trailing only Sweden.
Here’s the schedule for the Women’s World Cup:**Schedule:**- Group stage: Started and will conclude on August 3.- Round of 16: August 5 to August 8.- Quarter-finals: August 11 and 12 (in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney).- Semi-finals: August 15 in Auckland and August 16 at Accor Stadium in Sydney.- Final: August 20 at Accor Stadium in Sydney.- Third-place play-off: August 19 in Brisbane.
Also Read: Lionel Messi embraced as ‘America’s Number 10’ during extravagant unveiling at Inter Miami.
The Women’s World Cup promises exciting matches as teams vie for victory and glory.
