Ellis praises South Africa’s hunger after 2-1 Nigeria win in 2027 play-off

South Africa defeated Nigeria 2-1 in their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification play-off in Casablanca, with Desiree Ellis praising the determination that carried Banyana Banyana through. The result means Nigeria will miss the World Cup for the first time in their history, while South Africa moved into the next stage.

Ellis said the quality of the opponent helped raise South Africa’s performance. Nigeria entered the match as defending WAFCON champions, while South Africa won the continental title in 2022, giving the meeting added weight after both teams had suffered quarter-final exits at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

South Africa had lost 2-1 to hosts Morocco, while Nigeria were beaten 1-0 by Cameroon. Another defeat would have ended South Africa’s route to Brazil 2027, and Ellis highlighted the way her players responded to that pressure.

Banyana Banyana controlled much of the opening period but did not turn their possession into enough opportunities. Changes after the interval made South Africa more dangerous, and Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane scored the second-half goals that put them in front.

Nigeria reduced the deficit when Christy Ucheibe converted a late penalty, but South Africa held on. The loss came despite Nigeria’s strong record in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they are listed in first place with 9 points from 3 matches and an 8-4 goal record. Their recent five-match sequence before this result included 2 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss.

South Africa have not yet qualified for the 2027 World Cup. They must progress through the FIFA inter-confederation play-off tournament to secure a place in Brazil, while Nigeria’s campaign has ended after the defeat in Casablanca.