South Africa creates the feat and qualifies for the round of 16 of the Women’s Football World Cup. A real achievement for the Banyana Banyana, who managed to win their first ticket for the knockout phase, despite their status as “Little Thumb” in their group.
In a crazy scenario, South Africa beat Italy to the wire with a score of 3-2. After being behind following a penalty scored by Ariana Caruso, the South Africans managed to get back into the match thanks to an unfortunate error by Benedetta Orsi, who scored an own goal. Hildah Magaia then gave her team the lead, before Italy equalized from a corner. But it was ultimately Thembi Kgatlana who gave his team victory with a goal in added time.
This historic qualification for the Banyana Banyana marks a turning point for women’s football in South Africa. After participating in the World Cup in France in 2019 without succeeding in passing the first round, the women’s national team this time managed to climb among the best teams in the tournament.
The next stage will be a major challenge for South Africa, since they will have to face the Netherlands, finalists of the last world championship. The Dutch showed their strength by holding the United States to a draw in the group stage. It will be a real test for the Banyana Banyana, who will have to show courage and determination to continue their great adventure in the competition.
This qualification of South Africa for the round of 16 of the Women’s World Cup demonstrates not only the talent and progression of women’s football on the African continent, but also the ability of teams considered outsiders to create surprises and compete with the greatest footballing nations. This is a great achievement for South Africa and a promising sign for the future of women’s football in Africa.