South Africa’s Banyana Banyana dashed Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup hosted by Brazil as they defeated the Super Falcons 2-1 in their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations play-off game.
Although their WAFCON campaign had ended before the semi-finals, Banyana Banyana fought hard to overcome the Super Falcons and take one step closer to securing a place at the global showpiece.
The first threat to South Africa was in the seventh minute when Linda Motlhalo shot from distance, but the effort went over the crossbar. Nigeria replied three minutes later when Rasheedat Ajibade’s shot from outside the penalty area went wide of the target.
South Africa Ends Nigeria’s FIFA World Cup Hopes
The opening half was a keenly contested affair with both sides fighting for supremacy but failing to find the decisive breakthrough before the break.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 56th minute with a swift counter-attack by South Africa. Thembi Kgatlana was on hand to finish off Hildah Magaia’s final pass and give Banyana Banyana the lead with a cool finish.
Moments later Kgatlana almost doubled South Africa’s lead but her effort from close range was saved.
Nigeria continued to look for an answer and almost found one in the 75th minute as Kaylin Swart came up with a Woman of the Match display to deny Uchenna Kanu’s header after rising highest to meet a cross.
South Africa scored again within a minute. Refiloe Jane reacted to a loose ball in the box and fired a shot thru a crowded penalty area to make it 2-0.
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Banyana Banyana were close to getting a third just after the break but Magaia couldn’t keep her effort down after meeting a delightful delivery into the area.
With defeat staring them in the face Nigeria pushed more players forward in search of a route back into the contest, and were rewarded deep into stoppage time. The Super Falcons were awarded a penalty after Jane had been penalized for handling the ball inside the box following a VAR check.
The South African midfielder was shown a second yellow card and Christy Ucheibe, who came on as a substitute, coolly converted from the penalty spot.
Nigeria pressed hard for a dramatic late equalizer but South Africa stood firm to claim a memorable win and keep their FIFA Women’s World Cup hopes alive.
The outcome sees Banyana Banyana progress to the next stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification pathway, where they will continue their pursuit for a spot at the global finals in Brazil in 2027.
Nigeria’s FIFA World Cup Hope Shuts Door on South Africa
For the first time ever in the history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Nigeria’s Super Falcons will not be in the mix when next year’s tournament is played in Brazil.
South Africa’s goalkeeper Kaylin Swart stood against the Super Falcons and victory in their FIFA World Cup playoff game in Casablanca, the only way left for both teams to continue the race to Brazil thru the Inter-Confederations Playoff phases.
