South Africa and Ghana have secured Africa’s two qualifying spots for the 2027 Women’s World Cup intercontinental playoffs following victories in their respective matches on Thursday. South Africa’s 2-1 triumph over Nigeria marked a historic moment, as the Super Falcons will now be absent from the World Cup for the first time since the tournament began in 1991. Ghana, meanwhile, recovered from an early setback to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 in their playoff encounter.
The South African victory was decided by goals from Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane, though Jane’s red card in stoppage time allowed Nigeria’s Christy Ucheibe to score a penalty and create a tense final stretch. Despite Nigeria’s last-minute pressure, South Africa’s goalkeeper Kaylin Swart preserved the lead with a crucial save. Ghana’s comeback against Ivory Coast saw Princess Marfo level the match before Josephine Bonsu secured the winner from the penalty spot following a VAR review.
The four semifinalists at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations—Cameroon, Malawi, Morocco, and Algeria—have already qualified directly for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. The intercontinental playoffs will feature two teams each from Africa and Asia, alongside representatives from Oceania and South America competing for additional World Cup spots later this year.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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