Nigeria to miss Women's World Cup after South Africa and Ghana win play-offs

Thembi Kgatlana scored two goals at the 2023 Women's World Cup and netted again in Casablanca to keep alive South Africa's hopes of returning to the tournament [Backpage Pix] Nigeria have failed to qualify for the Fifa Women's World Cup for the first time after the Super Falcons were beaten 2-1 by South Africa in an African play-off at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon). Africa's top-ranked team went into the tournament in Morocco as favourites to retain their title but were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Cameroon, having already lost to Malawi in the group stage. With the four semi-finalists guaranteed a spot at next year's World Cup, Justin Madugu's side had one more chance to keep alive their hopes reaching Brazil, with the winner of their one-off tie in Casablanca entering an inter-confederation qualifier. But second-half goals from Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane were enough to give Banyana Banyana victory, despite unexpected late drama when Jane was sent off for handling the ball inside her own six-yard box. Christy Ucheibe slotted home the penalty in the 93rd minute to set up a grandstand finish, and there was even time for goalkeeper Kaylin Swart, South Africa's hero, to save brilliantly with her feet to deny Michelle Alozie in the last minute. The 2022 Wafcon champions join Ghana in Fifa's inter-confederation qualifier after the Black Queens came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 earlier on Thursday. Black Queens through despite pay dispute In the earlier game in Casablanca, Ivory Coast were awarded a penalty after just 44 seconds when Bernadette Kakounan was clipped by Princess Marfo. After a VAR check, Ines Konan converted to give the Lady Elephants a fourth-minute lead despite Ghana keeper Cynthia Konlan getting a hand to the ball. The Black Queens thought they had equalised early in the second half when Stella Nyamekye stabbed in but South African referee Akhona Makalima adjudged that Evelyn Badu had kicked the ball out of the hands of Ivorian keeper Oceane Konan moments before. Ghana did level in the 59th minute, with Marfo heading in from a corner to make amends for her earlier challenge, and the turnaround was complete when Josephine Bonsu scored from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute after VAR had again intervened. Grace Asantewaa's fierce strike clearly hit the right arm of Ivory Coast defender Aboa Yapo just inside the area, but it took some deliberation and a trip to the pitch-side monitor before Makalima awarded the foul. Ghana's victory came a day after the Black Queens squad had issued a statement claiming players and officials were awaiting several payments including Wafcon qualification bonuses, group-stage bonuses and per diem allowances. Ghana's Ministry of Sports and Recreation challenged aspects of the allegations, with sports minister Kofi Adams insisting that per diem payments had already been settled. A statement from a Ministry official added that the squad's win bonus from their group stage win over Cape Verde was being processed, and said that the Black Queens qualifying for Wafcon "does not attract a separate bonus".