South Africa score historic win to reach last 16 of Women's World Cup

Thembi Kgatlana scored a last-gasp winner as South Africa created history by securing their first ever Women's World Cup win.

The African side held their nerve to seal a 3-2 victory on Wednesday over Italy that sent them through to the last 16 of the tournament at the expense of their opponents in Wellington.

Striker Kgatlana struck two minutes into stoppage time to set up a clash with the Netherlands in Sydney on Sunday and broke the hearts of the Italians, who had only needed a draw to progress.

On a night of high drama, the Italians opened the scoring when Karabo Dhlamini tripped Italy forward Chiara Beccari just inside the box in the 10th minute and Arianna Caruso put the penalty into the bottom left corner of the net.

South Africa equalised in the 32nd minute through an own goal from Benedetta Orsi, who did not check where goalkeeper Francesca Durante was before making a back pass.

Hilda Magaia scored in the 67th minute to put South Africa 2-1 ahead before Caruso equalised with her second goal of the match, briefly denting South African hopes.

Italy thought they had salvaged the draw they needed to go through with 16 minutes left, before Kgatlana's stunning late intervention.

"Over the last two weeks, I've lost three family members. I could have gone home but I chose to stay with my girls," said Kgatlana, who plays for Racing Louisville in the United States.

"Because that's how much it means."

Coach Desiree Ellis, whose side were beaten 2-1 in the last minute in their opener against Sweden and then drew 2-2 with Argentina, added: "This is just amazing. I thought they were incredible.

"I said we were going to fight for every ball. We said we're not going to give up and they were absolutely magnificent.

"This victory