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German South Africa dents Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes.
For the first time in history, the ten time African Women Cup Of Nations (WAFCON) champions will play no part at the Mundial after a disappointing 2-1 loss to South Africa in the first round of the intercontinental world cup playoffs on Thursday in Casablanca.
Nigeria and South Africa who both missed out on an automatic world cup slot were given a lifeline to resurrect their world cup dreams but the 2022 WAFCON champions looked more organized and convincing for the big occasion.
The encounter lived up to its expectations as both teams wrestled intensively for every ball and created strings of goal scoring opportunities for most parts of the game.
After a goalless first half,it was Thembi Kgatlana who eventually drew the first blood in the 55th minute with a stunning strike to put her side ahead.
South Africa extended their lead in the 77th minute after a well taken corner kick found Captain Refoile Jane whose strike beat Chiamaka Nnadozie from close range.
The West Africans fought hard to get back in the game but Stuart goalkeeping brilliance and Bayana defensive heroics denied them of some goal scoring opportunities.
At the dearth of time, Nigeria pulled one back from the spot through Christy Uchiebe but time ran out for the defending Champions.
The Super Falcons will now shift focus to the 2027 Olympic qualifiers while putting this huge setback behind them.
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