Best pictures from Banyana Banyana’s thrilling win over Italy

Best pictures from Banyana Banyana’s thrilling win over Italy
Credit: Icon Sport

Banyana Banyana of South Africa joins Nigeria to keep Africa on the map in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup by qualifying past Italy in an outstanding fashion to secure a place in the knockout rounds. 

After lacklustre performances from Zambia and Morocco, who regained their honour to secure big wins in their last group stage games, the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations winners took the game to the Italians to secure a 3-2 win after more than 110 minutes of intense football. 

Some nice moments were captured from the game as Banyana Banyana secured Africa’s second knockout ticket.

South Africa 3–2 Italy: The match as it happened

Things got a bit scary from the start as Italy, who were on three points prior to their meeting with Banyana Banyana, peppered their opponents’ defence. 

They eventually caused a mistake to happen leading to a penalty which was buried past Kaylin Swart in South Africa’s goal by Arianna Caruso. 

It took a little while for the 2022 Women’s AFCON winners to get in the game but in the 32nd minute, South Africa forced Italy to make a mistake of their own. Benedetta Orsi scored an own goal to give Banyana Banyana a lifeline, which saw them rise to two points. That was still behind Italy on the table and it became clear that they needed to win to qualify. 

That fighting spirit which they have shown throughout the tournament was ignited and in the second half, Hildah Magaiah got on the scoresheet to give them the lead. It was not a long lead as less than ten minutes later, Caruso got a brace to keep Italy ahead of South Africa on the table. 

It looked to be the end until captain fantastic Thembi Kgatlana scored what would prove to be the winner against Italy in the 92nd minute. 

The goal secured Banyana Banyana’s first-ever knockout round ticket in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, giving Africa another opportunity to go a little further in the tournament. 

They will now face the Netherlands in the round of 16.

Best pictures from Banyana Banyana vs Italy at the FIFA WWC AUS/NZ

Many interesting moments were captured by the photographers on duty at the Group G curtain closer between South Africa and Italy. See some of them below.

Best pictures as Banyana Banyana claim historic win in Women's World Cup against Italy
Hildah Magaia of South Africa celebrates putting Banyana Banyana in the lead in the 67th minute. Credit – Icon Sport.
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Caruso Arianna of Italy celebrates one of her two goals in the game with Italy’s bench. Credit – Icon Sport
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Banyana Banyana star Linda Motlhalo during the game against Italy. Credit – Icon Sport
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Captain Thembi Kgatlana celebrates scoring the winner for Banyana Banyana to send them into the round of 16. Credit – Icon sport
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Bambanani Mbane in action for Banyana Banyana against Italy. Credit – Icon Sport

Stay tuned to Goalball Live for excellent coverage on the African teams at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago

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