On Wedneday the 54th ranked South Africa did the unthinkable by beating Italy 3-2 in Wellington to record their first-ever victory and advance to the next round.

South Africa had to win in order to stand any chance of qualifying for the knockout round.

Importantly, Sweden beat Argentina 2-0 in Hamilton, to finish at the top of the group.

South Africa’s goals came via an own goal by Bernadetta Orsi, while Hilda Magaia and the captain Thembi Kgatlana, while Arianna Caruso scored a brace for Italy.

Carsuo scored an 11th minute penalty, which was debatable, to put Italy, in the lead, however, sloppy defence in the 31st minute saw the World Cup debutant, Bernadetta Orsi, to level matters.

Hilda Magaia put South Africa in the lead with a 67th minute goal, but the joy was short-lived with Caruso scoring her second goal from a corner a mere seven minutes later.

It was fitting that the winning goal was scored by the captain, Kgatlana, in the third minute of stoppage time. It was nervy 12 minutes for South Africa and the threw everything into the defence to record an historic win for the team.

On Sunday, South Africa will face the 8th ranked Netherlands in Sydney, Australia, with this round of 16 game kicking off at 4am.

Dressing room snippets ????????#BeyondGreatness #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/SppuoNK0GS

— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) August 2, 2023

Morgan Piek OFM Sport