Thembi Kgatlana scored a stoppage-time winner to take South Africa into the last 16 of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup on Wednesday.
Kgatlana’s strike against Italy sealed a comeback win that gave South Africa a first-ever appearance at the knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup.
Arriana Caruso had given Italy an early lead and also drew them level at 2-2 on 74 minutes, but the European nation could not hold on for the point it required to qualify.
The Bayana Bayana qualified after collecting four points from three matches — one ahead of Italy — finishing second behind Norway, the group winners.
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South Africa will play Group E winners the Netherlands on Sunday.
In other matches, Jamaica caused the biggest upset of the tournament so far by sending Brazil out of the tournament at the group stage — for the first time in 26 years.
The Raggae Girlz held on for a 0-0 draw to amass five points, one more than the Matildas of Brazil.
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The defensively-resolute Jamaicans — yet to concede in the tournament — achieved the feat despite holding only 27% possession against the lacklustre South American nation.
France also went into the knockout stage as group winners following a 6-3 win over Panama in a nine-goal thriller.
RESULTS
- South Africa 3-2 Italy
- Jamaica 0-0 Brazil
- Panama 3-6 France
- Argentina 0-2 Norway
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