Banyana Banyana have failed to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics after playing to a 0-0 draw against Nigeria at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday, losing the two-legged match 1-0.
South Africa 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. The Gauteng government also offered free trains to the venue.
HUGE MILESTONE FOR SOUTH AFRICAN DEFENDER LEBOHANG RAMALEPE
Defender Lebohang Ramalepe reached a huge milestone after earning her 100th cap for the team. The Nigerians, on the other hand, benched their star player and reigning CAF Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala for the second game after also missing out in Abuja.
DISAPPOINTMENT AS BAFANA BANYANA FAIL IN THEIR ATTEMPT TO QUALIFY FOR THE 2024 OLYMPICS
Banyana were positive from the first minute creating chances but the Super Falcons’ defence stood resolute.
Nigeria were the first side to get a clear chance to open the scoring five minutes from the half-time break. But defender Ramalepe quickly intercepted before Uchenna Kanu could take a shot with keeper Kaylin Swart only left to beat. The match went into the halftime break with the score at 0-0.
Banyana looked like a revived side after the introduction of Magaia earlier in the second half piled more pressure on the Super Falcons’ defence but failed to capitalise. Another substitute Sinoxolo Cesane came close to getting the lead for the hosts but her shot was not enough to beat the Nigerian keeper.
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