The Olympic dream for Banyana Banyana came to a grinding halt on Tuesday night after they played to a goalless draw against Nigeria in Pretoria.

South Africa needed at least a 2-0 win against the Super Falcons in the second leg in the fourth and final round of the Olympic qualifiers to book their ticket to the global showpiece for the first time since 2016.

The only thing separating the two teams over the two legs was a penalty in the first leg in Abuja on Friday when Nigeria beat South Africa 1-0.

The Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis, said that it’s disappointing that as the champions of Africa they aren’t going to the Olympics, but she cannot fault the effort of her team against the top-ranked side on the continent.

“We wanted to go forward a lot more and especially in the first half we played backwards,” said Ellis.

“We had possession, but no progression. We tried to say let's move and go forward, and in the second half we gave everything that we had and it just wouldn't go in. One or two chances on either side of the goalkeeper just won't go in, but I am very proud of the team.

“We gave everything we had today and unfortunately it wasn't the result we wanted. We're very disappointed - especially for the fans that came out in their numbers to support us.

“The crowd and South Africa can be very proud of this team. We might be going to the Olympics, which is a huge disappointment, but we gave everything we had.”

Meanwhile the match was bittersweet for the defender, Lebogang Ramalepe, who was playing in her 100th international.

Nigeria will be one of just two teams from Africa to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport