South Africa survive late Nigeria fightback to advance in World Cup qualification

South Africa kept their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Nigeria in their WAFCON play-off in Morocco on Thursday.

Banyana Banyana responded to their disappointment at missing out on the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals by producing a determined performance against the Super Falcons.

The victory moves South Africa into the next stage of the World Cup qualification pathway, keeping their hopes of reaching the tournament in Brazil alive.

Kgatlana breaks the deadlock

The opening half was closely contested, with neither side able to find a breakthrough.

South Africa created the first notable opportunity in the seventh minute when Linda Motlhalo attempted a long-range effort that went over the crossbar.

Nigeria responded three minutes later, with Rasheedat Ajibade firing wide from outside the penalty area.

The deadlock was finally broken 11 minutes into the second half.

South Africa launched a quick counter-attack, with Hildah Magaia providing the final pass for Thembi Kgatlana, who kept her composure to finish and give Banyana Banyana the lead.

Kgatlana almost doubled the advantage moments later but could not keep her close-range attempt on target.

Jane doubles South Africa’s lead

Nigeria continued to search for an equaliser and came close in the 75th minute.

Uchenna Kanu rose to meet a cross, but her header was expertly saved by Kaylin Swart, who produced a standout performance in the South African goal.

Banyana Banyana then extended their advantage just a minute later.

Refiloe Jane reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area and fired through a crowded box to make it 2-0.

South Africa almost added a third soon afterwards when Magaia met a dangerous delivery into the area, but her effort went over the bar.

Nigeria mount late fightback

With their World Cup hopes appearing to fade, Nigeria pushed more players forward in search of a way back into the match.

Their persistence finally paid off deep into stoppage time after a VAR review led to a penalty.

Jane was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area and was shown a second yellow card, leaving South Africa with 10 players.

Substitute Christy Ucheibe converted the penalty to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Nigeria then pressed for a dramatic equaliser in the remaining moments, but South Africa defended resolutely to secure the victory.

Banyana Banyana remain on World Cup path

The result means South Africa advance to the next stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification pathway.

For Nigeria, the defeat is another setback in a campaign that had promised much, while South Africa have given themselves another opportunity to reach the global finals.

Banyana Banyana will now turn their attention to the next stage as they continue their pursuit of a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.