Kgatlana’s late clincher sends South Africa into the last 16 win over Italy 3-2 at the Women’s World Cup
— Thembi Kgatlana scored early in stoppage time to give South Africa a 3-2 win over Italy on Wednesday and a spot in the knockout rounds of a Women’s World Cup for the first time.
On a night of high drama and low temperatures, Hildah Magaia scored in the 67th minute to put South Africa 2-1 ahead before Arianna Caruso equalized with her second goal of the match, briefly denting South African hopes.
A draw would have been enough to put eighth-ranked Italy into the knockout rounds.
Instead, Kgatlana’s clincher meant it’ll be South Africa playing Netherlands in a round of 16 match on Sunday. Sweden finished atop Group G after beating Argentina 1-0 and will next play the defending champion U.S. team.
The winning goal came two minutes into stoppage time and as part of a series of extraordinary moments as South Africa led and seemed to be going through, Italy equalized and looked likely to advance, then South Africa scored again.
South Africa took its first World Cup point when it drew 2-2 with Argentina five days ago. It led that match before Argentina scored two quick goals to draw, and also led before going down 2-1 to Sweden.
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