Timed to perfection: How a Banyana training ground move ensured Kgatlana scored crucial winning goal

Any soccer coach will tell you that training sessions are specifically designed to mirror the challenges and dynamics encountered during actual matches.

READ | 'Emotional' Banyana match-winner Kgatlana praises World Cup team-mates: 'Everyone deserves it'

Nearly 24 hours before Banyana Banyana played their final FIFA Women's World Cup Group G clash against Italy, they were on the training field preparing for the crunch fixture.

The national women's senior team had their backs against the wall, knowing that a victory was their only chance of securing a ticket to the tournament's last 16.

Little did they know that their final training session was pivotal to them shocking world football and sinking the Italians with a stunning 3-2 victory in Wellington, New Zealand.

Banyana had gone a goal behind as early as the 11th minute via a Arianna Caruso penalty before equalising late in the first half through an Italy own goal.

Eventually, Hildah Magaia's silky finish gifted Banyana the lead midway through the second stanza, but the Europeans struck back seven minutes later to level matters once more.

At this stage, Italy was guaranteed a place in the knockout rounds alongside Sweden, while Banyana were set to board an airplane within 48 hours.

But a tactical tweak by head coach Desiree Ellis changed the face of the match and in the 92nd minute, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Thembi Kgatlana and Magaia combined for a goal that would be etched in the memories of South Africans.

In a breathtaking display of teamwork and skill, Seoposenwe skilfully controlled the ball on the wing. With impeccable timing, Magaia made a dynamic run from a deep position, perfectly connecting with a precise through ball.

As if dancing around two opposing defenders, Magaia