WWC: SA seal historic R16 qualification after win against Italy

South Africa, the 54th-ranked side in the world, have qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in their history.

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions made it into the Round of 16 with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Italy in their final group game.

Banyana went into the game knowing that they needed a win, but were on the back foot from the get-go as they conceded a penalty.

The African champions were brought back into the game when Benedetta Orsi had a moment of confusion and scored an own goal. Orsi passed the ball back towards goal, without checking where the keeper was, and had to watch as the ball went into the back of the net.

After a much more attack-minded start to the second half, Banyana took the lead when Thembi Kgatlana found Hildah Magaia in space and the attacker made no mistake in finding the back of the net.

The goal sent the stadium wild but it was short-lived as Italy scored from a corner just seven minutes later.

With 11 minutes extra time awarded, Banyana pushed forward and were rewarded for their efforts when Magaia returned the favour and set up Kgatlana to score the winner.

The 3-2 win meant that Banyana finished second behind Sweden in the group and became the second African side to make it to the Round of 16.

The Italians came up against South Africa in their final group game, knowing a draw would be enough to see them through to the last 16.