South Africa end Nigeria’s Women’s World Cup hope, Ghana beat Ivory Coast

What the report says

South Africa and Ghana secured Africa’s two places in FIFA’s Intercontinental Playoffs after winning their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations knockout matches against Nigeria and Ivory Coast, respectively, according to Al Jazeera’s report on Thursday. The results keep both teams alive in the race for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, while Nigeria and Ivory Coast were eliminated from that path.

South Africa beat Nigeria 2-1 in a tight contest. Thembi Kgatlana opened the scoring after a well-worked move in the second half, and captain Refiloe Jane added a second before later being sent off in stoppage time. Nigeria cut the deficit from the penalty spot through Christy Ucheibe, but South Africa held on after goalkeeper Kaylin Swart made a late save. The loss ends Nigeria’s long run of World Cup appearances, with Al Jazeera noting it will be the first time the Super Falcons miss the tournament since its launch in 1991.

Ghana also came from behind to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1. Ivory Coast struck first from an early penalty, but Ghana equalized through a header from Princess Marfo and then won the match with a late penalty converted by Josephine Bonsu. The result denied Ivory Coast a chance at only a second World Cup appearance, while Ghana remains in contention for a first World Cup berth since 2007 and a fourth in total.

The playoffs form part of the wider qualification route to the 2027 tournament in Brazil, with the next stage set to include teams from Africa, Asia, Oceania, South America, Europe and CONCACAF.