Banyana Banyana booked their place in the inter-confederation play-offs with a 2-1 win over Nigeria. The result moved South Africa closer to qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after they were forced into the play-off route.
Their WAFCON quarter-final defeat to Morocco had ended their hopes of securing direct qualification.
Desiree Ellis made one change to her starting XI, handing Ronnel Donnelly her first start of the tournament in place of Isabella Ludwig.
Banyana Banyana Take Lead Through Thembi Kgatlana
South Africa controlled much of the opening half but struggled to create clear chances as Nigeria defended deep. Asisat Oshoala was also kept quiet by the South African defence, with neither side finding the breakthrough before half-time.
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South Africa finally broke the deadlock four minutes before the hour mark. Hilda Magaia raced down the left before finding Thembi Kgatlana, who finished the move to score her third goal of the tournament. Nigeria came close to an equaliser in the 74th minute when Kanu headed towards goal, but Kaylin Swart produced an outstanding one-handed save.
Banyana Banyana Secure Win Through Refiloe Jane
South Africa extended their lead with 13 minutes remaining when captain Refiloe Jane collected a loose ball and fired a deflected effort into the net. Jane was sent off during stoppage time for handball, allowing Uchiebe to convert the resulting penalty. Banyana will now prepare for the inter-confederation play-offs, which begin in November 2026.
Five teams from other confederations will stand between South Africa and a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Ghana also secured a place in the African intercontinental play-off route after beating Ivory Coast 2-1 in Casablanca.
Ivory Coast took an early lead when Ines Konan converted a penalty after a VAR review. Ghana levelled before the hour through Princess Marfo, who headed home.
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Josephine Bonsu then completed the comeback in the 72nd minute by converting a penalty after a handball decision was upheld by VAR.
The result sent Ghana into the intercontinental World Cup play-off route. The two winners from the WAFCON quarter-final losers’ play-off will advance to the intercontinental qualifiers.
