Banyana Banyana kept their hopes of reaching the 2027 Women’s World Cup alive with a 2-1 win over Nigeria at Stade Moulay Rachid in Casablanca on Thursday, securing one of Africa’s two spots in the FIFA inter-confederation play-offs.
Both sides had missed out on automatic qualification through their WAFCON quarter-final exits, but South Africa made the most of their second chance. Thembi Kgatlana broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, finishing off a swift counter after Hildah Magaia’s pass, before captain Refiloe Jane doubled the advantage 13 minutes from time.
Jane’s night ended in controversy, sent off for a second yellow card after VAR ruled she had handled the ball inside her own box in stoppage time.
Christy Ucheibe converted the resulting penalty to give Nigeria a lifeline, but South Africa held on, with goalkeeper Kaylin Swart, named Woman of the Match, denying Michelle Alozie in the closing seconds.
The result ends Nigeria’s record of appearing at every Women’s World Cup since 1991. South Africa now await the next phase of qualifying, set for November and December.
Photo: Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Images
