South Africa defender Karabo Dhlamini has urged Banyana Banyana to fight for victory against Nigeria’s Super Falcons as they battle for another opportunity to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The two sides will meet in a crucial World Cup play-off on Thursday, with the winner advancing to the inter-confederation play-offs for a chance to secure a place at the global tournament.
Both teams missed out on automatic qualification after suffering quarter-final defeats at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. South Africa lost 2-1 to hosts Morocco, while Nigeria were defeated 1-0 by Cameroon.
Dhlamini said the disappointment of the WAFCON exit must not distract the team from the opportunity still available to them.
She stressed that Banyana Banyana must lift their heads, remain focused and fight to secure victory, with qualification for the World Cup still within their reach.
The defender acknowledged that South Africa’s defeat to Morocco affected the team’s momentum but said the players are determined to respond positively in the next match.
The decisive encounter is scheduled for Thursday, August 13, at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, with kick-off at 9pm Nigerian time.
The winner will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs, keeping its hopes of featuring at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil alive, while the losing side will be eliminated from the qualification race.
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