South Africa beat Nigeria as Ghana defeat Ivory Coast

South Africa defeated Nigeria to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive, while Ghana secured a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast. Banyana Banyana moved closer to the inter-confederation play-offs, which are scheduled to begin in November 2026. Five opponents from different confederations remain between South Africa and the tournament.

Desiree Ellis made a single change to her starting eleven, starting Ronnel Donnelly instead of Isabella Ludwig. South Africa controlled much of the early possession, but Nigeria defended deep and limited the chances created. The South African defence also successfully contained Asisat Oshoala, leaving the match scoreless at the halftime break.

The breakthrough arrived in the 56th minute when Thembi Kgatlana scored her third goal of the tournament following an assist from Hilda Magaia. South Africa doubled their lead in the 77th minute when captain Refiloe Jane scored a deflected shot from a loose ball. Nigeria nearly pulled one back in the 74th minute through a Kanu header, but goalkeeper Kaylin Swart made a one-handed save.

Refiloe Jane was sent off during stoppage time for a handball, resulting in a penalty that Uchiebe converted. This goal ended the match at 2-1 for South Africa. Both teams entered this fixture following losses in their respective paths; South Africa lost to Morocco in the WAFCON quarter-finals, while Nigeria had been defeated by Cameroon.

In the other fixture, Ghana beat Ivory Coast 2-1 to maintain their path toward the World Cup playoffs. Ivory Coast took an early lead through an Ines Konan penalty following a VAR review. Princess Marfo equalised for Ghana with a header before the 60th minute, and Josephine Bonsu scored a 72nd-minute penalty after VAR confirmed a handball.

Ghana now sits in second place in the table with 4 points from three matches. Ivory Coast remains in first place with 7 points from three matches. The victory ensures Ghana a place in the intercontinental playoff route, where the two winners from the WAFCON quarter-final losers' playoff will compete.