By Levy Masiteng
Banyana Banyana have qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Play-Off Tournament after beating Nigeria 2-1 in a dramatic WAFCON play-off clash at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, on Thursday night.
The victory keeps South Africa’s dream of reaching the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil firmly alive, after the former African champions were unable to secure one of the automatic World Cup qualification places by reaching the WAFCON semi-finals.
During the match, Banyana produced a determined performance against the Super Falcons, with Thembi Kgatlana breaking the 0-0 score in the 56th minute.
The forward’s goal gave South Africa the breakthrough they had been searching for and shifted the momentum firmly in their favour.
Captain Refiloe Jane then doubled the advantage in the 77th minute, sending Banyana into a commanding 2-0 lead and putting them within touching distance of victory.
However, Nigeria refused to go quietly.
Jane was sent off in stoppage time before Christy Ucheibe converted a late penalty in the 93rd minute, setting up a tense finish.
Banyana nevertheless held their nerve to secure a famous 2-1 victory.
Goalkeeper Kaylin Swart was also singled out for her outstanding performance and was named Woman of the Match, underlining her contribution as South Africa survived Nigeria’s late pressure.
The result is particularly significant given how far Banyana have travelled during this tournament.
Their WAFCON campaign began with a shock 2-1 defeat to Tanzania at the same Moulay Rachid Stadium on 27 July. South Africa enjoyed periods of sustained pressure and hit the woodwork but were punished by Tanzania’s efficiency in front of goal.
That setback threatened to derail Banyana’s campaign, but the team fought back and ultimately found themselves battling for their World Cup hopes against one of Africa’s most decorated women’s football nations.
The win over Nigeria therefore represents a major turnaround, from an opening-game defeat to a victory that gives South Africa another route to Brazil 2027.
It also carries extra emotional weight because Nigeria had eliminated Banyana from the previous WAFCON, the delayed 2024 edition played in 2025, scoring a late winner in a 2-1 semi-final victory in Casablanca.
But this time, South Africa turned the tables on the Super Falcons when it mattered most.
For Desiree Ellis’ side, the message is clear: the World Cup dream is still alive.
INSIDE SPORT
