LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Nigeria Women’s football team,the Super Falcons will miss the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil after losing 2-1 to the Bayana Bayana of South Africa in the World Cup Qualifiers playoffs at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
The first half saw the sides feel themselves out as South Africa’s first real chance came in the 39th minute when Chiamaka Nnadozie saved a freekick hammered straight at her.
She released the ball for a quick counter but Michelle Alozie’s low drive missed the goal post by inches as both team settled for a goalless draw in the first 45.
South Africa opened the scoring 11 minutes after the break following a fast break.
Winger Hilda Magaia unselfishly teed up Thembi Kgatlana who slotted it home.
Nnadozie made herself big but her outstretched right foot wasn’t enough to stop the ball from going in.
Five minutes later the Brighton an Hove Albion goalkeeper was called into action again for the Super Falcons as she came up with a strong save to deny Kgatlana her second of the night.
In the 75th minute the Super Falcons had a chance to tie the gamr, however South Africa’s Kaylin Swart tipped Uchenna Kanu’s header wide
South Africa extended their lead two minutes later when Captain Refiloe Jane rifled in a shot that deflected off Christy Ucheibe into the back of the net.
As the match neared its conclusion, Jane received a second yellow card and got sent off for deliberately handling the ball after Alozie headed the ball down on target from a corner.
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Ucheibe stepped up and redeemed her previous mistake by striking it into the bottom right corner.
In the 96th minute, Alozie got a chance to equalize but Swart produced a diving save to keep the score unchanged.
The playoff match finished 2-1 and crushed the Super Falcons’ hopes of appearing in the World Cup.
