South Africa's Thembi Kgatlana has opened up on the loss of three family members during the Women's World Cup, after her winning goal against Italy took her nation into the knock-out stages for the first time.
Kgatlana struck two minutes into stoppage time to earn South Africa a 3-2 win over Italy in Wellington.
The South African captain's strike saw the reigning African champions earn a maiden World Cup win and reach the last-16 in the process.
South Africa finished second in the group behind Sweden, with Italy crashing out having only needed a point in the match to advance.
Kgatlana revealed post-match that she had suffered the loss of three family members over the past three weeks, but opted to remain with her team-mates at the tournament.
'We got alot of criticism, but this is football. It's about who wants it most,' Kgatlana said.
'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 27-year-old has also fought back from suffering a ruptured Achilles last July to compete at the tournament.
Kgatlana only returned to action in May for her club side Racing Louisville.
The striker's stoppage time goal saw Banyana Banyana triumph in a dramatic Group G clash.
Italy had taken an early lead through Arianna Caruso from the penalty spot.
Benedetta Orsi gifted South Africa an equaliser when her back pass rolled into her own net past goalkeeper Francesca Durante.
Desiree Ellis' side went ahead for the first time in the second half when Hildah Magaia fired beyond Durante, only for Caruso to level for Italy from a corner in the 74th minute.
Kgatlana netted the stoppage time winner to provoke South African celebrations, with the forward turning in Magaia's low cross.
South Africa will face Group E winners the Netherlands in the last-16 on Sunday.
haeaciort
0
Go girls go we l proud of u we are behind you girls God be with you girls
Bouaeiosuy
3
Almighty God is with you girl 🙏
vehbcdor
0
I am really proud of yall ladies 🥳🥳🥳💐 even with so much hate from refs, you pulled through!
vehbcdor
0
someone should please tell me why Europe hate Africans? they stole from us, they plot to decimate us so as to take over our place on earth but to no avail. now they are opening showing their racial discrimination in football fields. Go tell Italy and New Zealand that South Africa and Nigeria will win them again and again.
they hate themselves more because they envy us
Los_Blancos09
1
areyeng banyana areyeng!!! proudly South African
Tiadknopty
3
l like the Lady since 🔥🔥🔥kgatlana
Emchi
3
God will see the remaining Africa countries in the tournament through.
renemnoyz
3
someone should please tell me why Europe hate Africans? they stole from us, they plot to decimate us so as to take over our place on earth but to no avail. now they are opening showing their racial discrimination in football fields. Go tell Italy and New Zealand that South Africa and Nigeria will win them again and again.
renemnoyz
3
my pain is the white refs who could not hide their racism against Africans. they did everything possible to push New Zealand through to the detriment of Nigeria but God thwarted their evil plot. now against Italy, these evil white refs wanted South Africa to fail at all means, but to their shame South Africa sailed through..
Dihablmsuy
4
Amazing from South Africa's best football team! Looking forward to the next match!
Yuycdeksuy
4
that shows the commitment for mzansi flag big up love ❤️ u my dear, continue flying south African flag