South Africa kept their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup alive after beating Nigeria 2-1 in their WAFCON play-off match on Thursday.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying directly for the World Cup through the tournament, while South Africa moved closer to securing a place in Brazil.
South Africa created the first clear chance in the seventh minute when Linda Motlhalo fired over the crossbar from distance. Nigeria responded three minutes later, but Rasheedat Ajibade’s effort went wide.
The first half remained closely contested, with neither side able to break the deadlock.
South Africa finally took the lead in the 56th minute. Hildah Magaia set up Thembi Kgatlana, who calmly finished to make it 1-0.
Kgatlana nearly doubled the lead moments later, but her close-range effort missed the target.
Nigeria pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart made an important save in the 75th minute to deny Uchenna Kanu.
South Africa then extended their lead just a minute later. Refiloe Jane reacted quickly to a loose ball inside the box and fired through a crowded area to make it 2-0.
Nigeria continued to fight and were given a lifeline deep into stoppage time after a VAR review awarded them a penalty for handball against Jane.
Jane was shown a second yellow card and sent off, while substitute Christy Ucheibe converted the penalty to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
Nigeria pushed for an equaliser in the final moments, but South Africa held on to secure a crucial victory.
The result sends Banyana Banyana into the next stage of the World Cup qualification pathway as they continue their bid to reach the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
