Sports Desk Reporter
Banyana Banyana have moved closer to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after edging Nigeria 2-1 in a tense play-off clash.
The victory in Casablanca on Thursday night secured South Africa’s place in the next stage of the qualification process.
Thembi Kgatlana opened the scoring before captain Refiloe Jane added a second for the African champions.
Nigeria reduced the deficit from the penalty spot after Jane was penalised for handball inside the box.
Jane was later sent off after receiving her second yellow card. Banyana were forced to defend their lead with 10 players.
Goalkeeper Kaylin Swart produced an important save during the second half. Her performance earned her the Player of the Match award.
Coach Dr Desiree Ellis praised her players for holding on under pressure.
“I think we just like to make things difficult for ourselves, but the dream is still alive,” Ellis said.
She felt the team improved after the break and credited the players and technical staff for their work.
“Now we get another opportunity to go forward and our objective to qualify for the World Cup and we’re still in it,” she said.
Sasol also congratulated Banyana on the result. The sponsor praised the team for showing resilience and determination during the match.
Ghana secured the other African spot in the next phase after beating Ivory Coast 2-1.
South Africa and Ghana will now join four other nations in a six-team qualification tournament.
The field will include two teams from Asia, one from South America and one from Oceania. The tournament is scheduled for November and December.
The top two teams will advance to the final phase in February next year. Three teams will then secure places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.