By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South Africa have failed to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics after playing to a 0-0 draw against Nigeria at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Banyana Banyana came into the second leg of the CAF Women’s Olympic qualifier at the back of a 1-0 defeat in Abuja on Friday.
They made a few changes to the team that lost at the MKO Abiola Stadium. Veteran defender Noko Matlou and striker Hildah Magaia were both benched for the match after starting in Abuja.
TS Galaxy Ladies midfielder Nomvula Kgoale and Noxolo Cesane started in their place.
The match was attended by a decent crowd after SAFA made provision for students to enter the stadium for free.
Lebohang Ramalepe achieved her 100th cap on the day, becoming the 11th Banyana Banyana player to reach this milestone.
She joins a prestigious group including Refiloe Jane, Matlou, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Nothando Vilakazi, Janine van Wyk, Portia Modise, Amanda Dlamini, Mamello Makhabane, and Leandro Smeda.
The first half was pretty balanced, with South Africa and Nigeria canceling out each other. The level of play was quite brilliant as both teams opted to play from the back rather than launch long balls from defense to attack.
Banyana were much better in the second half, but they were neutralized by the Super Falcons’ setup. They did have a good chance in the 70th minute, but Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadaozie was on alert, as she saved Sinoxolo Cesane’s strike.
The Paris FC shot-stopper made another good save in the 86th minute to keep Nigeria in control of the game.
Nigeria will join Group C, alongside world champions Spain, Japan and Brazil.
Morocco and Zambia will battle for the other spot available to Africa at Paris 2024. The winner of that tie will be grouped with the four-time world champions USA, plus Germany and Australia.