South Africa saw the Super Falcons of Nigeria fail to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after they succumbed to 2-1 in a WAFCON play-off in Casablanca.
This is a monumental blow to Nigeria since they participated in all the Women’s World Cups since its inception in 1991. Nigeria is the most successful women’s football team in Africa but did not qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil following their poor performance in the ongoing WAFCON tournament in Morocco.
Nigeria were going into the tournament as favorites and defending champions, only to suffer a heavy blow when they lost their place in the semi-final after being knocked out by Cameroon and losing to Malawi in the group stage.
There was one last avenue for qualification for the 2027 World Cup through the play-off and South Africa denied Nigeria the opportunity.
South Africa Survive Late Drama
The first half had very few chances, but everything turned around completely post-half time.
South Africa got ahead through a 56th-minute goal where Hildah Magaia broke up field and played in a dangerous cross to Thembi Kgatlana, who found the back of the net from close range via goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The Nigerians started piling on the pressure and South Africa’s goalkeeper Kaylin Swart came up big on multiple occasions to keep her side ahead.
Two minutes later, in the 77th minute, Refiloe Jane scored another goal for South Africa after a deflection from the Nigerian player Christy Ucheibe.
Late into injury time, VAR ruled out a handball by Refiloe Jane in the penalty area and she was shown the red card due to receiving her second yellow. Christy Ucheibe put home the resultant penalty in the 93rd minute.
The Nigerians pushed hard for the equalizer, but Swart pulled off the best save of the game with her legs to deny Michelle Alozie.
Nigeria’s Historical Blunder
This defeat will see Nigeria fail to reach the Women’s World Cup, something that has never happened before.
For a team that has won the WAFCON 10 times – a record number for any team – this is certainly not good news.
This loss may also be a signal for the future of Asisat Oshoala, who was substituted off because she couldn’t make an impact in the game. The 31-year-old will possibly retire from WAFCON, even though there has been no confirmation yet.
For South Africa, there is still a long way to go until the World Cup qualification celebration.
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South Africa and Ghana Have Not Given Up Yet
South Africa and Ghana have qualified for a route to the World Cup alongside other teams from different confederations.
Ghana qualified on the back of a comeback against Ivory Coast, which beat them 2-1 in Casablanca.
Although Ivory Coast led through Ines Konan’s penalty kick goal, Ghana managed to equalize through Princess Marfo. Josephine Bonsu scored from the spot-kick to give Ghana victory.
The triumph was achieved amid controversy over the payment of amounts owed to the Ghana team, with the players alleging that many bonuses and allowances had not yet been settled.
In the next round, a league of six teams, which includes South Africa, Ghana, Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, Papua New Guinea, and Ecuador, will be formed. After that, the best teams will contest for the remaining World Cup slots.
But for Nigeria, the passage to Brazil has been sealed.
