BANYANA Banyana recorded their first-ever win at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.
Stand-in captain, Thembi Kgatlana, scored the decisive goal in a 3-2 victory over Italy on Wednesday.
The result means they advance to the knockout stages at the tournament, another first for a South African team at a World Cup, in a historical move.
They made it to the last 16 of Womens’ World Cup.
An own goal and second-half strikes from Hildah Magaia and Kgatlana ensured they beat Italy 3-2 after going to the break level at 1-all.
Banyana went into the game as the underdogs, being ranked 38 places lower than their opponents, but were able to secure their maiden win at the tournament and a play-off spot.
Their reward for the win is a last 16 encounter against the Netherlands on Sunday.
Image (Thembi Kgatlane celebrating an all-important goal after Banyana recorded a historical moment by advancing to last 16 after completing an ‘Italian Job’).
