Soccer
Banyana beat Nigeria to keep 2027 World Cup dream alive─── MORGAN PIEK 08:52 Fri, 14 Aug 2026
Banyana Banyana have kept their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup alive after producing a determined 2-1 victory over long-time rivals Nigeria at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca on Thursday.
The result sees South Africa advance to the next phase of the World Cup qualification process after both teams saw their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaigns come to an end in the quarter-finals. With neither side securing one of Africa’s four automatic World Cup places, the playoff route now provides another opportunity to reach the global showpiece in Brazil.
The next phase of the qualification process is scheduled for November and will feature teams from across the various confederations, including two representatives from Africa and Asia, as well as one each from Oceania and South America.
Thembi Kgatlana - SAFA
Against Nigeria, Banyana Banyana showed plenty of character and discipline in what was a closely fought contest between two of Africa’s heavyweight women’s football nations.
South Africa created the first meaningful opening when Linda Motlhalo tested the Nigerian defence with a long-range effort in the seventh minute, although her shot sailed over the crossbar. Nigeria responded soon afterwards, with Rasheedat Ajibade firing wide from outside the penalty area.
The opening 45 minutes remained tightly contested, with neither side able to establish a clear advantage. South Africa, however, returned from the break with greater attacking intent and eventually found the breakthrough in the 56th minute.
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— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) August 13, 2026
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A quick counterattack opened up space for Hilda Magaia, who produced an excellent final pass into the path of Thembi Kgatlana. The experienced forward kept her composure and calmly slotted the ball home to give Banyana Banyana a precious 1-0 lead.
Kgatlana almost doubled the advantage shortly afterwards, but could not keep her close-range attempt on target.
Nigeria continued to push for an equaliser and came close in the 75th minute when Uchenna Kanu rose to meet a cross. Her header, though, was superbly dealt with by South African goalkeeper Kaylin Swart.
Swart was outstanding throughout the contest and would ultimately be named Woman of the Match, producing several important saves as the Super Falcons searched for a way back into the game.
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— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) August 13, 2026
?? ????: Banyana Banyana have doubled their lead against Nigeria!
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Just a minute after denying Nigeria, South Africa struck at the other end. Captain Refiloe Jane reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the area before firing through a crowded penalty box and into the back of the net to make it 2-0 in the 76th minute.
Banyana Banyana appeared to be heading towards a comfortable victory, but the closing stages produced plenty of drama.
Deep into stoppage time, a VAR review resulted in Nigeria being awarded a penalty after Jane was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area. The South African captain received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving Banyana Banyana to defend their lead with 10 players. Christy Ucheibe made no mistake from the penalty spot to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
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— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) August 13, 2026
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Nigeria threw everything forward in the final moments, but South Africa stood firm. Swart once again showed her composure between the posts as Banyana Banyana held on for a hard-earned and potentially hugely significant victory.
The players celebrated their triumph with Swart being lifted onto her teammates’ shoulders, underlining the collective effort behind a result that keeps South Africa’s 2027 World Cup dream firmly alive.
Banyana Banyana will now return to South Africa this weekend before turning their attention to the next crucial stage of the qualification journey.
Morgan Piek OFM Sport
