Benedetta Orsi Own Goal From 28 Yards Helps South Africa Beat Italy To Reach Last 16 At Women's World Cup
South Africa have progressed beyond the group stage at a FIFA World Cup for the first time.
A dramatic 3-2 win over Italy on Wednesday saw the team ranked 54th by FIFA reach the last 16 at the 2023 Women's World Cup.
Arianna Caruso scored two goals for Italy, who only needed a point to qualify instead of South Africa.
But a bizarre error by Benedetta Orsi and some superb play between Hildah Magaia and Thembi Kgatlana saw Banyana Banyana prevail.
Caruso opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 11th minute.
Orsi then scored a long-range own goal from all of 28 yards when she beat Italy keeper Francesca Durante with a wayward back-pass.
Italy defender Benedetta Orsi pictured (center) moments after scoring an own goal against South Africa at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
IMAGO/NurPhoto/Jose Breton
South Africa took the lead midway through the second half when Kgatlana set up Magaia.
Magaia then returned the favor in the second minute of added time as Kgatlana slotted home the winner to send South African players, coaches and supporters wild with joy.
South Africa will now face the Netherlands in the round of 16 in Sydney on Sunday.
Elsewhere in Group G, Sweden beat Argentina 2-0 to top the table and set up a knockout clash with the USWNT, also on Sunday, in Melbourne.
