South Africa created a feat at the Women’s World Cup with a historic qualification for the round of 16. In a group where they were considered underdogs, the Banyana Banyana showed incredible courage and determination to clinch their ticket.
The South African adventure started with a draw against Sweden, followed by another draw against Argentina. But it was during their last pool match against Italy that the South Africans created a surprise by winning 3-2.
Led from the start of the match following a penalty converted by Ariana Caruso, the Banyana Banyana quickly reacted thanks to an own goal from Benedetta Orsi. Then it was Hildah Magaia who scored the second South African goal after a fine individual effort from Thembi Kgatlana.
Despite an Italian equaliser, South Africa fought on and finally found victory in the dying minutes of regulation time with a superb goal from Kgatlana. This result allows the team to achieve the first qualification in its history for the round of 16.
An exceptional performance for the African team, which joins Nigeria as the second team from the continent to reach the direct eliminations of the competition. The next challenge for the Banyana Banyana will be to challenge the Netherlands, finalists of the last World Cup and who held the United States in check in the group stage.
This qualification represents an immense pride for South Africa and testifies to the progress of women’s football in the country. The players have demonstrated their talent, determination and ability to compete with the best teams in the world.
Hopefully, this performance will inspire other African countries to invest more in the development of women’s football to allow talents to flourish and shine on the international stage.
The rest of the adventure promises to be exciting for South Africa and we will closely follow their journey in this Women’s World Cup, hoping that they will continue to create surprise and shine the light of African women’s football