South Africa vs Nigeria Women FIFA Women's World Cup Play-In Preview
A place in the FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying playoffs is the prize as South Africa battle Nigeria.
Both teams are coming off a WAFCON quarter-final loss, but the Super Falcons fared slightly better in the competition and should have the upper hand here.
Key Stats
- Nigeria have won two of their last three matches.
- Nigeria are unbeaten in the last three matches against South Africa.
- South Africa have failed to win three of their last four matches.
Nigeria on Top
Nigeria have seven wins while South Africa have been victorious four times, with four draws in the last 15 matches. The Super Falcons are also unbeaten in the last three meetings and triumphed 2-1 when both teams clashed in the semi-final of the last WAFCON.
Banyana Banyana’s disappointing WAFCON Campaign
South Africa are coming off a 2-1 defeat to Morocco in the quarter-final of the WAFCON. They attempted to fight back from two goals down but fell just short of a comeback, with Thembi Kgatlana’s second-half effort proving a mere consolation.
That result not only ended South Africa’s WAFCON campaign but was also a major blow to their World Cup hopes. However, there is still a chance to feature in the global showpiece and Desiree Ellis’ team must now go through the playoffs.
The problem for South Africa is that the defeat to Morocco did not come as a surprise, as their recent form has been underwhelming. They only won their final group stage fixture at the WAFCON.
Poor Title Defence for Super Falcons
Nigeria’s WAFCON title defence came to an end in the quarter-finals as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Cameroon. They fell behind early in the contest and, despite creating multiple scoring opportunities, could not find a way back into the contest.
Beyond the end of the WAFCON dream, Nigeria also missed out on automatic qualification for the Women's World Cup. Justin Madugu’s team will now have to go through the arduous route of the playoffs but must win Thursday's clash to progress.
While it was a disappointing exit from the tournament, Nigeria will take some positives from the defeat to Cameroon, having created numerous chances. Their overall form has also been decent, winning two of their last three matches.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
South Africa (4-3-3): Kaylin Swart, Fikile Magama, Bambanani Mbane, Bongeka Gamede, Karabo Dhlamini; Robyn Moodaly, Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo; Noxolo Cesane, Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana.
Kgatlana is the biggest attacking threat for South Africa and should lead the line once again on Thursday. Jane should continue in midfield while Mbane is set to feature at the back.
Nigeria (4-3-3): Chiamaka Nnadozie, Shukurat Oladipo, Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie; Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echeghini, Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu, Asisat Oshoala.
Rinsola Babajide went off injured for Nigeria in the first half of the quarter-final and is expected to miss this clash. Oshoala could earn a start after making a late substitute appearance last time out, while Ohale and Demehin are set to continue their central defensive partnership.