South Africa are into the last 16 after claiming their first Women’s World Cup win with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Italy in Wellington.
Thembi Kgatlana’s stoppage-time winner came after Italy fought back to level with an Arianna Caruso header.
The late drama completed an emotional fortnight for the South African goalscorer.
South Africa will play Group E winners the Netherlands on Sunday.
After earning a first World Cup point in their 2-2 draw with Argentina, the Banyana Banyana have shown significant progress from their debut appearance at the tournament in 2019, when they lost all three group matches.
There were scenes of jubilation for the South Africa players when the final whistle confirmed they had made history for their nation.
Knowing a win would guarantee their place in the knockout rounds, Italy got off to the perfect start when they were awarded a penalty as Karabo Dhlamini caught the heels of teenager Chiara Beccari and Caruso calmly converted to put her side in command of their World Cup future.
However, South Africa were gifted a leveler as Benedetta Orsi, playing her first World Cup match, was left red-faced when she hit a no-look back pass to a surprised Francesca Durante and it rolled into her own net.
Ellis’ side burst into the lead when Kgatlana slipped a clever ball through the Italy defence to put Hildah Magaia through on goal and she lifted it over Durante.
VAR seemed like it may have come to South Africa’s rescue when Caruso equalised from a corner, but after a lengthy delay the goal was given.
A draw would have been enough to take Italy into the knockout rounds, but their hearts were broken when Magaia stepped through the defence and squared to Kgatlana, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net.
Jamaica manager Lorne Donaldson said her team had “never had this much fun” after reaching the Women’s World Cup last 16 for the first time, leaving Brazil devastated.
They battled out a cagey encounter in Melbourne and Jamaica put in a stubborn defensive display to ensure their impressive tournament still has another chapter.
The Reggae Girlz, ranked 43rd in the world, are unbeaten and have kept three clean sheets in the group stages of their second World Cup, having conceded 12 goals in three defeats in 2019’s competition.
Brazil, who recalled striker Marta to the starting XI, could not find the goal they needed and failed to progress for the first time in 28 years.
—BBC