Women's AFCON 2026: South Africa knocks out Nigeria 2-1 and heads to 2027 World Cup playoffs

13.08.26 FT Africa Women Cup of Nations

South Africa W

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Nigeria W

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Shockwaves in Casablanca. South Africa defeats Nigeria 2-1 this Thursday at Stade Moulay Rachid, clinching their spot in the intercontinental playoffs for the Brazil 2027 Women's World Cup. The Super Falcons, ten-time African champions, will miss out on the World Cup.

A cagey first half

The opening minutes were intense but fruitless. Both giants traded blows without finding a breakthrough. 0-0 at halftime, neck and neck, as the pressure mounted on both sides.

Banyana Banyana turn up the heat and strike twice

Coming out of the locker room, South Africa shifted gears. The opener came in the 56th minute. After a brilliant team move, Hildah Magaia set up Thembi Kgatlana, who finished with ice-cold composure. 1-0.

Galvanized, the South Africans kept pressing. From a corner, Refiloe Jane pounced on a loose ball after the Nigerian defense failed to clear and unleashed a powerful shot from 18 yards. 2-0 in the 77th minute. Tension soared in the closing stages. Moments later, Jane was sent off for a foul in her own box as the Super Falcons piled on the pressure.

Christy Ucheibe converted the penalty to give Nigeria hope. 2-1. But the six minutes of added time were not enough. Nigeria is out—South Africa joins Ghana. This is history in the making. Nigeria, the defending champions and ten-time Women's AFCON winners, will not be at the Brazil 2027 Women's World Cup.

This is a first since the inaugural edition in 1991. It's the end of an era. Banyana Banyana join Ghana, who ousted Ivory Coast earlier. Both teams will represent Africa in the intercontinental playoffs as they battle for more spots at the World Cup.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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