In a decisive encounter during the 2026 WAFCON playoffs, South Africa ended Nigeria‘s long-standing streak by securing a 2-1 victory, effectively halting Nigeria’s pursuit of qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. This defeat snapped a remarkable 35-year streak, dating back to the inaugural tournament in 1991, during which Nigeria had consistently qualified for the Women’s World Cup.
South Africa’s breakthrough came midway through the second half, when Thembi Kgatlana opened the scoring in the 56th minute with a well-placed finish assisted by Hildah Magaia. The home side appeared to double their advantage in the 77th minute through Refiloe Jane, but that goal was disallowed after a VAR review revealed a handball inside Nigeria’s penalty area.
Disciplinary Action and Late Drama Shape the Match
The VAR intervention led to Jane receiving a second yellow card and being sent off, reducing South Africa to ten players. Nigeria seized the opportunity to pull one back late in stoppage time when substitute Christy Ucheibe calmly converted the resulting penalty. Despite Nigeria’s efforts to equalize, South African goalkeeper Kaylin Swart stood firm, denying a last-minute attempt by Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie and preserving her team’s historic victory.
Later the same day, the playoff between Ivory Coast and Ghana also delivered a dramatic outcome. The Black Queens of Ghana staged a comeback to win 2-1, securing the continent’s second spot for FIFA’s inter-confederation playoffs. This result, alongside South Africa’s triumph, reshapes the landscape of African women’s football ahead of the 2027 World Cup qualification phase.