by Lukanyo Tshitshi
Banyana banyana claimed their first ever victory in the women world cup in style by qualifying for the knockout stages.
Banyana came back from 1 goal down to win the game by 3 goals to 2 goals against Italy this morning in Wellington city in New Zealand. The game went to half time 1-1 with Caruso goal in the 11th minute for Italy and Orsi's own goal gave the south african ladies an equalizer just before the end of the first half.
(image: online, Thembi Kgatlana celebrates after she scored a winning goal for Banyana banyana against Italy in Wellington, New Zealand.)
The African champions came back blazing in the first 20 minutes of the second half and manage to find the net through Magaia but it didn't take Italy long to equalize and make it 2-2.
Banyana banyana's captain of the day Thembi Kgatlana won the game for the south africans at 90+2 minutes scoring the 3rd goal for Banyana Banyana to claim their first win ever in the women world cup and make history to become the first ever South Africa football team to qualify for the world cup knockout stages.
The african champions came into the game as underdogs as they were up against the 16th place ranked women team in the world, Italy while they are ranked 52end.
Banyana finishes as runners up of group G with 4 points( 1 win, 1 draw and 1 lose) behind Sweden at the first place with 9 points.
Banyana banyana will face Netherlands in the knockout rounds.
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