Rassie Erasmus celebrates Banyana Banyana’s historic World Cup win

Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus has joined millions of his fellow South Africans in celebrating Desiree Ellis and her Banyana Banyana team’s historic achievement at the Fifa Women’s World Cup.

ALSO READ: Kgatlana sends Banyana into the last 16 for the first time

MATCH RECAP

Banyana Banyana made history by beating Italy 3-2 to reach the last 16 of the tournament on Wednesday. It is the first time ever that a South African national team had advanced to the knockout stage of a World Cup.

South Africa came into the match needing a win to go through while Italy just needed a draw to advance.

Banyana went down 1-0 after conceding a penalty in the early stages but found a way back into the match and forced the Italians to score an own goal.

In the second half, Banyana searched for the winner and it came after 60 minutes when Hilda Magaia unleashed a vicious strike to beat Italy’s keeper. But Italy equalised shortly after that from a corner kick.

With 11 minutes of injury time added, Banyana threw everything at the Italians and the pressure eventually told when Thembi Kgatlana finished off Magaia perfectly weighted squared cross into the box to the South Africans a memorable 3-2 win and safe passage into the round of 16.

WATCH: Katlego Maboe, Ian Wright leads Banyana celebrations

RASSIE ERASMUS HAPPPILY JOINS THE CHOIR

The performance and result caused a stir on social media, with South Africans expressing their relief and joy on Twitter. One of those who were in a particularly celebratory mood was Rassie Erasmus.

“Lekka Banyana Banyana!! Well done Desiree, the players and management!! Proud,” Rassie Erasmus tweeted on Wednesday afternoon.

ALSO READ: Kgatlana reveals she lost THREE family members recently

🇿🇦 Lekka Banyana Banyana!! Well done Desiree, the players and management!! Proud 🇿🇦 https://t.co/sQhkQCGYzg

— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) August 2, 2023

Banyana Banyana celebrate their win. Photo: Official team Twitter account.