After an exhilarating 2-1 triumph against Nigeria in Thursday’s playoff for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification in Casablanca, Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis commended her team’s tenacity.
Regarded as the prelude to the actual final, South Africa made a single change to their starting roster, with Ronnel Donnelly replacing Noxolo Cesane at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
The reigning African champions shocked the ten-time CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) titleholders, securing goals from Thembi Kgatlana and captain Refiloe Jane.
Nigeria managed to score from a penalty after Jane was penalized for a handball within the box, resulting in her receiving a second yellow card.
As the match drew to a close, the atmosphere was tense, with Nigeria desperate for an equalizer, yet the South African defense held strong, and goalkeeper Kaylin Swart was named Player of the Match.
“We often make things more complicated for ourselves, but our aspirations remain intact. We started strong and maintained possession, though we didn’t generate enough genuine threats. While they had more attempts on goal, our play notably improved after halftime as we began to move the ball more efficiently,” reflected Ellis.
“Nigeria had an excellent opportunity, and Kaylin executed a stunning save, which likely altered the course of the game. Even after conceding the penalty, the team’s resolve stayed unwavering. I stressed the significance of this match; facing one of the continent’s elite teams with so much on the line is an incredible motivator,” she added.
“Now we have another chance to advance towards World Cup qualification, and we’re still in the race. I want to congratulate the players, coaching staff, and everyone involved, as many have contributed over the last few days to reach this achievement.
“We made some tactical changes, and I believe they were caught off guard by that. We recognized their strengths, but our determination carried us through. The dream continues,” she concluded.
In another World Cup playoff match, Ghana came from behind to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1.
Both CAF representatives now advance to the next phase, where they will join four other teams in a six-nation mini-tournament, including two teams from Asia, one from South America, and one from the OFC. This event is scheduled for November and December.
The top two teams from this round will move on to the final phase, set for February next year, competing for three spots in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.
