South Africa hero lost three family members during traumatic Women’s World Cup before scoring amazing last-minute winner

THEMBI KGATLANA lost three family members before scoring a dramatic last-minute winner against Italy.

The South Africa forward clinched her country’s first Women’s World Cup victory with a 92nd minute goal against Italy on Wednesday.

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Thembi Kgatlana has lost three family members during the Women’s World Cup[/caption]

Her goal also secured a place in the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time ever.

After the match, she revealed the heart-breaking news that she has lost three family members during her time at the Women’s World Cup.

However, she chose to stay with her team-mates rather than returning home.

“We got a lot of criticism, but this is football,” Kgatlana told the media. “It’s about who wants it most.

“Over the last three weeks I’ve lost three family members. I could’ve went home but I chose to stay with my girls.”

The Racing Louisville star also scored in the 2-2 draw with Argentina on Friday.

Her goals helped Banyana Banyana finish second behind Sweden in Group G on four points to advance to the round of 16.

Manager Desiree Ellis has hailed her players following their dramatic win over Italy.

Thembi Kgatlana scored a dramatic late winner against Italy on WednesdayRex

Speaking after the win, she exclaimed: “They fought like warriors. They fought like the heroines that we know that they are.

“They fought to be historically remembered and they’ve made history, not just getting our first win, but going to the round of 16 and that is freaking amazing.”

“I said we were going to fight for every ball, we’re not going to give up… This victory is for everyone back home, people that got up in the early hours of the morning to support us – that is for them.”

South Africa will take on the Netherlands in Sydney on Sunday as they look to continue their record-breaking run at the tournament.