Morocco 2025 WCQ: Flamingos beat South Africa to reach final round

Nigeria secured a 5-1 aggregate victory over South Africa in the penultimate round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, advancing to the final round scheduled for next month.

Two-goal heroine from the first leg, Harmony Chidi, nodded home from a tight angle in the 37th minute, further complicating matters for the visitors, who had lost the first leg 1-3 at home.

Shakirat Moshood, who scored in the first leg, provided the assist with a well-taken free kick from the right. She turned provider again 11 minutes into the second half, delivering a pass to Aishat Animashaun, who skillfully lifted the ball over goalkeeper Samekelise Mthembu into the net for Nigeria’s second goal.

Zoe October, Thoriso Mphelo, Khmezi Khoza, and captain Katleho Malebana impressed for Bantwana but struggled to break through Nigeria’s solid defense, marshaled by Hannah Ibrahim, Jumai Adebayo, Philomena Isaiah, and Favour Iheagwam.

With this victory, the Flamingos advance to the final round of qualifiers, where they will face the winner of the Botswana vs. Algeria fixture next month.