South Africa defeated Nigeria 2-1 on Thursday in a World Cup qualifying play-off, ending the Super Falcons’ record of qualifying for every FIFA Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991.
The match, played at Stade Moulay Rachid, pitted two fallen WAFCON 2026 quarter-finalists against each other for a spot in the FIFA intercontinental play-offs, after both teams missed out on automatic qualification for Brazil 2027 following defeats to hosts Morocco and Cameroon respectively.
South Africa broke the deadlock in the second half before Refiloe Jane doubled their lead in the 77th minute. Nigeria pulled a goal back through substitute Christy Ucheibe in the third minute of stoppage time, but could not find an equaliser as South Africa held on to advance.
The win moves South Africa into the intercontinental play-off round, where they will face qualifiers from Asia, Oceania, South America and Europe for a remaining place at the 2027 World Cup. Nigeria, the most successful side in WAFCON history with 10 continental titles, are eliminated from World Cup contention for the first time.
South Africa, champions of the 2022 WAFCON, are chasing a third consecutive World Cup appearance after debuts in France in 2019 and Australia/New Zealand in 2023.
