The South Africa women's team Banyana Banyana squared off with Italy women's team in a heavyweight Group G match in the FIFA Women's World Cup on Wednesday. The match took place at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand.
South Africa knew a victory against the Italians would guarantee them a spot in the last 16, which made the battle with the Italians a thrilling one.
Having come close to grabbing all three points in their last game against Argentina but somehow squandered their lead, Banyana Banyana were determined not to repeat their mistakes.
Desiree's ladies put their heads together after going a goal down to rally back into the game and defeat the Italians 3-2 in dramatic fashion to make the fixture one of the most thrilling matches of the women's world cup so far.
Comeback: complete. ✅@Banyana_Banyana | #FIFAWWC
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 2, 2023
The win ensured Banyana Banyana finished the group stage in second place having obtained 4 points from three matches, and a place in the next round.
Morocco and South Africa joined the Nigeria Super Falcons to fly Africa high in the round of 16, while Zambia was the only African side to exit the tournament in the group stage.
After the win, excited fans and lovers of the South Africa women's team might be wondering who Banyana Banyana plays in the round of 16.
Read on to know who Banyana Banyana plays, the date and time of kick-off and the team's reward for reaching the next round.
Who will Banyana Banyana face in the next round?
The high-scoring Banyana Banyana have defied the odds to make the round of 16 in thrilling fashion. The never give up spirit the team exhibited has qualified them to their first ever appearance in the event's round of 16.
South Africa are through to the knockout stages for the first time in their #FIFAWWC history! 🇿🇦
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 2, 2023
Banyana Banyana will face Netherlands in the round of 16 because of their second place finish in Group G.
Netherlands finished top of Group E on 7 points and will next face off against the reigning champions of the Africa Women's Cup of Nations.
When will the Netherlands vs South Africa match take place?
This Round of 16 match between the Netherlands and South Africa will take place on Sunday, 6 August 2023 at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Australia.
Banyana Banyana Round of 16 qualification bonus
The South Africa team, or Banyana Banyana, on reaching the last 16 of the Women's World Cup are now entitled to receive $1.38 million from FIFA.
This money will be shared across the squad members which amounts to $60,000 per player in the team.
Although the team was not after the qualification bonus, but rather after making history for the country. They will be looking forward to knocking the Netherlands out of the competition and getting their foot in the quarterfinals.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 months ago
