SA U17 Women’s Coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo expressed disappointment after her team fell to defeat to Nigeria, but remained proud of their performance as their road to qualification for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup came to an end after a second leg defeat meant a knockout loss at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remoon Saturday, March 15, 2025.
Bantwana put in a valiant fight in the second leg of their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier against Nigeria, but fell to a 2-0 defeat to their African opponents, meaning that the South Africans have now been knocked out of the qualifying round as they suffered a 5-1 aggregate loss.
It was always going to be a tough battle for Ntombifuthi Khumalo’s side, who went into the second leg tie having suffered a 3-1 defeat a week earlier in their home leg.
The coach conceded that she was disappointed by the overall result but was pleased to see the effort her team put in over the two matches.
“I am disappointed because we did not make it to the next stage of the World Cup qualifiers, but I am also proud of my girls after their performance. This is the international stage and some of them tried their best, but Nigeria was the better team,” said the coach on safa.net.
“For me, what I can take back home is the experience gained on this international stage, especially after facing the same opponent in the first and second rounds that was stronger. We all know that they are doing well in Africa in such competitions.”
A goal in each half thanks to Chidi Harmony in the 37th minute and Aishat Animashaun in the 56th saw Nigeria seal their place in the final round of qualifying.
The Flamingos will face either Botswana or Algeria in the next stage, and will be looking to reach the competition and better their third-place finish at the soccer showpiece in 2022.
Original Copy: SAFA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Bantwana fell to a 5-1 aggregate loss to Nigeria in their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remoon Saturday, March 15, 2025. Photo: Nigerian Super Falcons
Photo 2 Caption: The South Africans lost 2-0 in the first leg, and 3-1 in the second leg, to see their road to qualification come to an end.
Photo 3 Caption: The Flamingos will face either Botswana or Algeria in the next stage, looking to better their third-place finish at the soccer showpiece in 2022.
