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Banyana Banyana of South Africa defeated Nigeria’s Super Falcons 2-1 in the 2027 World Cup qualifying play-in on Thursday, completesports.com reports.
The result means for the first time the Super Falcons will not be at the FIFA women’s World Cup since their debut in 1991.
For South Africa they have now joined Ghana’s Black Queens as the two teams from Africa that will feature at the Intercontinental playoffs.
Both teams faced off in the play-in after losing their Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinals.
The Super Falcons lost 1-0 to Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon while hosts Morocco edged out South Africa 2-1.
After a goalless first half, South raced to a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Thembi Kgatlana and captain Refiloe Jane, who was later sent off for a deliberate handball inside the box.
Substitute Christy Ucheibe pulled a goal back for the Super Falcons late in the game which was only a consolation.
The early part of the game saw South Africa dictate play while the Super Falcons remained organised at the back.
Also Read: 2027 WWC Playoffs: Super Falcons Must Make Second Chance Count Against South Africa — Madugu
In the 12th minute Rasheedat Ajibade hit a shot after a poor clearance by a South African player but it took a deflection and went out for a corner kick.
The Super Falcons had a chance on 39 minutes from a set piece but Jennifer Echegini’s ball into the box was saved by the South African keeper.
With five minutes left in the forst half Michelle Alozie hit a low shot from the edge of the box which went narrowly wide.
In added time of first half South Africa went close through Motlhalo but her strike close to the edge of the box went over the bar.
Asisat Oshoala had a big chance in the 51st minute after the ball fell to her inside the box from a cross but her lame effort was saved by the keeper.
Then South Africa took the lead through Kgatlana on 56 minutes as she slotted past Chiamaka Nnadozie off a cross from the left side.
On 62 minutes Kgatlana almost got her second goal to double the lead as she had another big chance but her shot inside the box was well saved by Nnadozie.
With 15 minutes left Uchenna Kanu went close to drawing Super Falcons level as she headed a cross but the keeper palmed away for a corner.
On 77 minutes South Africa went 2-0 up thanks to Jane whose shot inside the box took a deflection off Christy Ucheibe and went into the net.
In added time the Super Falcons were awarded a penalty, following consultation with VAR, after Jane blocked a goal bound header with her outstretched hand.
The spot kick was converted by Ucheibe whose effort went past the South African keeper to make it 2-1 in the 93rd minute.
Alozie had a big chance to take the game to extra time but her left foot strike from close range was stopped by the keeper’s outstretched left foot.
By James Agberebi
1 Comment
Twice we are ousted by South Africa in the men and female senior world cups..Very sad!
On both occasions our local coaches were a big part of the disappointment!
Should we trust our local coaches with our senior teams especially in the world Cup playoffs going forward?My answer is NO!!