The Banyana Banyana, South Africa’s women’s football team, created the feat by securing their first ticket to the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup. In a group where they were considered outsiders, they showed courage and determination to win against Italy in a match with twists and turns.
After trailing after a penalty from Italy’s Ariana Caruso, the South Africans managed to get back into the game thanks to an error by the Italian defense that led to an own goal. Despite a clear domination of their opponents, the Banyana Banyana managed to score a second goal through Hildah Magaia, well served by Thembi Kgatlana.
But Italy did not say its last word and equalized from a corner thanks to Arianna Caruso. The final minutes of the match were intense, with South Africa determined to secure qualification. It was finally Thembi Kgatlana who offered victory to his team thanks to a collective acceleration and an Italian defensive error. The Banyana Banyana held on during the 15 minutes of additional time to validate their ticket for the round of 16.
This historic qualification for the South African team comes on top of that of Nigeria, making them the two African representatives in the elimination phase of the Women’s World Cup. In the next round, South Africa will have to face the formidable Netherlands, finalists of the last World Cup and who stood up to the United States in the group stage.
The performance of the Banyana Banyana is a strong signal of the emergence of women’s football in South Africa. It testifies to the commitment and talent of the players who knew how to face the difficulties and surpass themselves to reach this stage of the competition. Hopefully this historic qualification will inspire future generations and help further develop women’s football on the African continent