Desiree Ellis, the coach of Banyana Banyana of South Africa, has expressed happiness at the resilience of her wards in their last group match against Italy which they won to qualify for the round of 16 of the 2023 Women World Cup on Wednesday.
Expressing shock at the manner her players played, she said it was crazy and noted that her players played their hearts out and showed the true character of champions as they came from behind to defeat Italy 3-2 and thus not only won their first match at the FIFA Women World Cup but qualified for the round of 16.
“It was crazy and I praise the plyers because they played like the true champions they are.
“I am so happy for their zeal to make the whole of South Africa happy because I can just imagine the celebration back home right now,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Italians drew the first blood via a penalty kick through Juventus Forward, Ariana Caaruso, who scored in the 11th minute after Dhlamini bumped on Becccarri.
The equalizer came in the 32nd minute through an own goal when Benedetta Orsi’s back pass to goalkeeper Durante went out of her reach.
Unmarked Hildah Magaia got assistance from Kgatlana in the 67th minute to put it over Durante for South African goal number two but Caruso completed her brace in the 74th minute when a ball came to her from a crowded box touching her on her hips and rolling into the net for the equalizer. South Africa 2 Italy 2.
The decider came 90+2nd minute when Racing Louisville player, Thembi Kgatlana, who had scored against Argentina beat three players to just push it past helpless Durante. Africa went wild with jubilation as the Argentines wept knowing they are out of the tournament by whiskers.
The South Africans missed their captain 30-year old Refiloe Jane who plays for Sassuolo of Italy as she got a knock along the line. Their dependable midfielder, Kholosa Biyana who plies her trade with Sporting de Gijon had two yellows and is suspended for this game.
Both teams only met once on October 17, 2007 when Italy won 2-0. Italy won their only African opponents, Nigeria 1-0 in 1991.
Sweden had dazed South Africa 2-1 in the first round match and Italy won 1-0 over Argentina but in the second round matches, Argentina played 2-2 draw with South Africa while Sweden pounded Italy. Italy could only make three points from a win and two loses scoring three goals and conceding eight while Argentina brought up the rear with only a point scoring 2 goals and conceding 5.
