Banyana Banyana beat Nigeria to reach 2027 Women’s World Cup play-offs

South Africa secured a place in the inter-confederation play-offs for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after defeating Nigeria 2-1 at the Moulay Rachid Stadium on Thursday.

Thembi Kgatlana opened the scoring for Banyana Banyana before Refiloe Jane added a second to put the South Africans in control. Nigeria pulled a goal back through Christy Ucheibe from the penalty spot, but could not find an equaliser.

The result means South Africa will represent Africa alongside Ghana in the inter-confederation qualifying tournament, which will be held in November. Ghana reached the play-offs after beating Ivory Coast.

Both South Africa and Nigeria had been eliminated in the quarter-finals of the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), meaning neither side claimed one of the automatic qualification places on offer.

Nigeria, the outgoing African champions, made the livelier start at the Moulay Rachid Stadium. Karabo Dhlamini tried her luck from distance inside the opening five minutes, but her effort went straight into the hands of the Nigerian goalkeeper.

The Super Falcons soon created an opportunity of their own when Uchenna Kanu rose to meet a cross, although her header lacked the direction needed to beat Kaylin Swart.

South Africa had chances as the first half progressed. Linda Motlhalo was played in by Ronnel Donnelly but sent her shot over the crossbar. Motlhalo later had another opportunity before the interval, with the outcome again the same.

Bongeka Gamede also failed to hit the target after Banyana Banyana won a free-kick following a foul on Motlhalo, sending the set-piece over the bar.

Nigeria threatened in the 11th minute after a promising attacking move, but the South African defence cut out the danger. The loose ball fell to Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade, whose shot took a deflection and went behind for a corner.

Michelle Alozie then came close to breaking the deadlock shortly before half-time, narrowly missing the target.

Nigeria continued to pose a threat after the restart. Asisat Oshoala forced Swart into a save from inside the penalty area, before testing the South African goalkeeper again in the 50th minute. On that occasion, Swart kept out the effort on the goal line.

South Africa finally found the breakthrough in the 57th minute. Donnelly and Hilda Magaia combined effectively, with Magaia creating the opening for Kgatlana to finish.

Kgatlana almost doubled Banyana Banyana’s advantage three minutes later, but her attempt was saved.

Nigeria came close to levelling in the 75th minute when Kanu found space, only for Swart to produce an excellent stop. The missed opportunity proved costly, as Jane extended South Africa’s lead two minutes later.

There was still late controversy. Jane handled a Nigeria effort on the goal line, earning a second yellow card and leaving South Africa with 10 players. Nigeria were awarded a penalty, which Ucheibe converted, but Banyana Banyana held on to claim victory and advance to November’s inter-confederation play-offs.