Banyana Banyana face Nigeria play-off for 2027 Women’s World Cup place

Banyana Banyana’s route to the 2027 Women’s World Cup remains open, but South Africa must beat Nigeria in Casablanca on Thursday to keep their hopes alive after their WAFCON quarter-final defeat by Morocco.

South Africa lost 2-1 to the hosts in Rabat on Saturday, meaning they have missed out on automatic qualification for the global tournament for the third consecutive time. However, their progress to the last eight has earned them another chance through the play-offs.

The task is demanding. Banyana Banyana must first overcome continental rivals Nigeria in Thursday night’s play-off before attempting to win two inter-continental play-off matches, scheduled for late November and early February.

The reward for reaching recent World Cups has been significant for South Africa. Many of the players have strengthened their profiles, secured moves abroad and gained valuable experience at international level.

For Karabo Dhlamini, the World Cup has also represented a full-circle moment in her career. The Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies defender first appeared on the global stage with South Africa’s under-17 team, Bantwana, at the 2018 tournament.

A year later, she became the youngest player selected in a Banyana Banyana World Cup squad when she travelled to France at the age of 17. Dhlamini has since played at a second World Cup and established herself as an important player for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, helping the club win several honours, including two CAF Women’s Champions League titles.

She was visibly disappointed after Saturday’s loss to Morocco, but insisted South Africa must use the play-off opportunity to continue their pursuit of qualification.

“It’s important, but we know that qualifying for the World Cup alone is motivation,” Dhlamini said. “It’s not about seniors or juniors; everyone needs to stay motivated at all times.”

The defender said the squad’s frustration after being eliminated from the WAFCON quarter-finals should not affect their preparations for Nigeria.

“We feel disappointed because now we have to take the longer route,” Dhlamini said. “Had we won against Morocco, qualification would have been easier. We now need to play the play-offs. However, we cannot afford to drop our heads now. We need to lift our heads up and focus on the next game.”

South Africa’s defensive performance will need to improve. Goalkeeper Kaylin Swart has conceded four goals across the team’s past two matches, while Banyana Banyana have kept just one clean sheet during the tournament.

At the other end of the pitch, the attack must offer greater support to Thembi Kgatlana. The forward has often been isolated during the competition, although she has still scored three goals in four games.

“As a team, we should score more goals,” Dhlamini said. “We can play nice football, but if we don’t score, we won’t win matches. Goals are what win you games.”

Dhlamini, who is one of South Africa’s set-piece specialists, said creating and taking opportunities would be decisive against Nigeria.

“I feel like that’s the reality of football: if we don’t take our chances, the opponents will, and then we’ll regret not scoring and conceding,” Dhlamini said. “Also, if we don’t create chances, we’ll get fewer of them.”

South Africa’s play-off meeting with the Super Falcons takes place in Casablanca on Thursday night. Victory would send Banyana Banyana into the inter-continental play-offs, where further matches in late November and early February will determine whether they reach the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

Karabo Dhlamini during a Banyana Banyana training session before the play-off against Nigeria on Thursday. Image: BackpagePix.

Mihlali Baleka is covering the WAFCON in Morocco for IOL, courtesy of Banyana Banyana’s premier sponsor, Sasol.