By knocking Nigeria out of the 2027 World Cup race, Thursday's South Africa vs Nigeria WAFCON playoff game snapped a run that defined the Women's World Cup draw for more than three decades.
Banyana Banyana beat the Super Falcons 2-1, ending Nigeria's qualification bid. The loss broke a 35-year streak that stretched back to the tournament's 1991 debut.
South Africa vs Nigeria Match Ends Women's World Cup Streak
Thembi Kgatlana broke the game's deadlock in the 56th minute with a finish teed up by Hildah Magaia. Refiloe Jane doubled the lead for South Africa in the 77th, only for VAR to flag her for a handball inside Nigeria's box moments later.
That second yellow sent Jane off, while sub Christy Ucheibe converted the resulting penalty deep into stoppage time for the Falcons. But goalkeeper Kaylin Swart preserved the win, smothering a final chance from Nigeria's Michelle Alozie in the last few minutes of play.
The Black Queens Rally in Ivory Coast vs Ghana Match
Later in the day, the Ivory Coast vs Ghana playoff game delivered another stunner. The Black Queens rallied for a 2-1 win, sealing the second African ticket to FIFA's inter-confederation playoffs. Ghana's comeback leaned on a Princess Marfo header and a 72nd-minute penalty from Josephine Bonsu.
The two results closed WAFCON 2026 by locking in the continent's two remaining spots at the Women's World Cup after Cameroon, Malawi, Morocco, and Algeria all qualified with their semifinal-earning runs at this year's tournament.
