Thembi Kgatlana scored an injury-time winner as South Africa booked a historic place in the knockout rounds of the Women’s World Cup with a 3-2 victory over Italy in their final Group G clash in Wellington on Wednesday.

The victory sees Banyana finish as runners-up in the pool and will now face Netherlands in the next stage, but for coach Des Ellis it is an incredible moment of history for the sport in the country.

For the third match in a row it was a gallant effort from a South African side that has been vastly improved on the global stage compared to their maiden World Cup appearance four years ago, and this time they completed the job.

Arianna Caruso put Italy ahead from the penalty-spot early on, before Benedetta Orsi scored an own goal that levelled things up for Banyana just past the half-hour mark.

Hildah Magaia then turned the game on its head to put South Africa ahead, but they could not hold on as Caruso turned the ball home from a corner.

It looked as though it would be more heartache for South Africa, but Kgatlana won the day as she turned the ball home from close-range after excellent work from Magaia.

Italy had an early penalty when Karabo Dhlamini’s poor tackle on Chiara Beccari gifted the European side the opportunity from 12 yards.

It was a naïve challenge from the wing-back, coming from behind with little prospect of winning the ball.

It is these types of incidents that have cost Banyana in this tournament, poor moments of judgement. Italy’s Arianna Caruso had no trouble with the penalty, slotting it in the bottom corner.

Banyana almost drew level when the ball fell to Robyn Moodaly on the edge of the box and her first time shot had the beating of Italy goalkeeper Francesca Durante, but not the post as it cannoned back off the woodwork. It would have been a superb goal from a player with great technique. (SuperSport)

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