For the first time in the history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Nigeria’s Super Falcons will not be involved, when next year’s tournament is played in Brazil.
South Africa’s goalkeeper Kaylin Swart stoutly stood against the Super Falcons and secured victory in their FIFA World Cup playoff game in Casablanca on Thursday night – the only route left for both teams to continue the race to Brazil through the Inter-Confederations Playoff phases.
South Africa were bumped in their quarter-final tie by hosts Morocco, while the Falcons were pipped by the odd goal by Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses.
Nigeria opened the contest at the Moulay Rachid Stadium with intent, exploiting space on the break through swift counter-attacking movements spearheaded by Asisat Oshoala and Francisca Ordega. The Falcons’ most promising opportunity of the first half arrived in the closing minutes before the interval, when Michelle Alozie found space inside the box, only to drag her effort just wide of the target.
Despite Justin Madugu’s side controlling large spells of possession after the restart, South Africa struck against the run of play in the 56th minute through Thembi Kgatlana to break the deadlock.
The Falcons continued to push forward in search of an equaliser, but Banyana Banyana doubled their advantage in the 77th minute through captain Refiloe Jane, who finished off a rebound and watched the ball deflect off the leg of substitute Christy Ucheibe to make it 2–0.
The closing stages delivered late drama in the 89th minute when Jane handled a goal-bound header from Alozie inside the penalty area. Following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, the referee awarded Nigeria a penalty and issued Jane her second yellow card, reducing South Africa to ten women.
Christy Ucheibe stepped up to convert the spot-kick and cut the deficit to 2–1. Despite relentless pressure during stoppage time, the Super Falcons were unable to find a late equalizer before the final whistle.