"They fought like warriors," said an emotional coach Desiree Ellis, who was a founding member of the South Africa women's side in 1993.
"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."
South Africa equalised in the 32nd minute through an own goal from Benedetta Orsi, who did not check where goalkeeper Francesca Durante was before making a back pass.
Reporting by Amy Tennery in Auckland, editing by Nick Mulvenney and Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Persons:
Kgatlana, Amanda Perobelli WELLINGTON, Thembi Kgatlana, Striker Kgatlana, Arianna Caruso, Desiree Ellis, they've, Karabo Dhlamini, Chiara Beccari, Caruso, Benedetta Orsi, Francesca Durante, Banyana Banyana, Amy Tennery, Nick Mulvenney
Organizations:
Soccer Football, FIFA, Wellington Regional, Sunday, Africa women's, South Africa, Thomson
Locations:
New Zealand, South Africa, Italy, Wellington , New Zealand, Netherlands, Sydney, Africa, Sweden, Auckland