The Women's World Cup 2023 has been one full of twists and record-defining moments as the Bayana Bayana of South Africa set a new record in their football history.
Following an early kick-off today, Wednesday, August 2, 2023, the Bayana Bayan of South Africa joined the Super Falcons of Nigeria as two of the four African countries representing the continent at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 to secure a spot in the Round of 16 of the competition, with an exhilarating 3-2 triumph over Italy, they have advanced to the round of 16. The decisive moment came in stoppage time when Chrestinah Thembi Kgatlana scored the winning goal in the 93rd minute.
Aside from this exciting fact, the Bayana Bayana of South Africa outdid themselves this year as they secured the first knockout stage qualification at the World Cup in their football history.
South Africa, the African champions, took the lead 2-1 in the 67th minute with a goal from Magaia. Italy fought back and equalized with an Arianna Caruso header, but Kgatlana's late heroics secured the win for the African side.
They finished the group stage with 4 points, behind group leaders Sweden. Despite a draw being enough to send Italy to the knockout round, South Africa edged them out by a single point.
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The South African players celebrated with jubilation and excitement when the final whistle confirmed their historic achievement for the nation. In the round of 16, South Africa's Bayana Bayana will face the Netherlands, who topped Group E, on Sunday. Meanwhile, Sweden will go up against the defending champions, the USA.
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