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Thembi Kgatlana has explains that she lost three family members before her side’s match against Italy but chose to stay on before scoring the winner
South Africa's Thembi Kgatlana has opened up on the loss of three family members during the Women's World Cup, after her winning goal against Italy took her nation into the knock-out stages for the first time.
Kgatlana struck two minutes into stoppage time to earn South Africa a 3-2 win over Italy in Wellington.
The South African captain's strike saw the reigning African champions earn a maiden World Cup win and reach the last-16 in the process.
South Africa finished second in the group behind Sweden, with Italy crashing out having only needed a point in the match to advance.
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12:39 - 02.08.2023
South Africa shock Italy to join Nigeria in the second round
South Africa becomes the second African team to join Nigeria in the second round of the Women's World Cup after defeating Italy.
Kgatlana revealed post-match that she had suffered the loss of three family members over the past three weeks, but opted to remain with her team-mates at the tournament.
“We got a lot of criticism, but this is football. It's about who wants it most,” Kgatlana said.
“Over the last three weeks I've lost three family members. I could've gone home but I chose to stay with my girls.”
The 27-year-old has also fought back from suffering a ruptured Achilles last July to compete at the tournament.
Kgatlana only returned to action in May for her club side Racing Louisville. The striker's stoppage time goal saw Banyana Banyana triumph in a dramatic Group G clash. Italy had taken an early lead through Arianna Caruso from the penalty spot.
Benedetta Orsi gifted South Africa an equaliser when her back pass rolled into her own net past goalkeeper Francesca Durante.
Desiree Ellis' side went ahead for the first time in the second half when Hildah Magaia fired beyond Durante, only for Caruso to level for Italy from a corner in the 74th minute.
Kgatlana netted the stoppage time winner to provoke South African celebrations, with the forward turning in Magaia's low cross. South Africa will face Group E winners the Netherlands in the last-16 on Sunday.
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