Morocco 2025: Flamingos intensify preparations as South Africa’s Bantwana arrive in Lagos
The delegation of South Africa’s U-17 girls, Bantwana, is scheduled to arrive in Lagos on Wednesday evening ahead of Saturday’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup second-round, second-leg qualifying match against Nigeria’s Flamingos.
A brace by Harmony Chidi, following Shakirat Moshood’s goal, steered Nigeria to a 3-1 win over their hosts in Pretoria on Saturday. However, the Bantwana have issued a strong warning that they will not be in Ikenne to surrender without a fight.
Team captain Katleho Malebana, whose goal early in the second half raised South Africa’s hopes before Chidi’s second and Nigeria’s third, has assured that the Bantwana will contest every blade of grass with their hosts at the Remo Stars Stadium on Saturday.
Saturday’s encounter will kick off at 4 p.m., with Senegalese match officials in charge. CAF has appointed Aida Sy as referee, while her compatriots Ndeye Aissa Ndiaye, Ndeye Sarr Ndiaye, and Fatoumata Sall Toure will serve as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2, and fourth official, respectively.
Ghana’s Naa Odofoley Nortey has been designated as the match commissioner, while Agar Mezing from Cameroon will serve as the referee assessor.
The winner on aggregate will progress to the final round of the qualification series. This year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is set to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 8. Africa will present five teams, including host nation Morocco, at the finals, which have been expanded to a 24-nation championship.
The Flamingos have intensified their preparations with training sessions at the Remo Stars Institute in Ikenne-Remo ahead of Saturday’s crucial encounter.
