Nigeria’s Super Falcons will have to wait longer for a return to the FIFA Women’s World Cup after a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations play-offs on Thursday night.

The loss, at the WAFCON in Morocco, means Banyana Banyana and Ghana’s Black Queens have secured Africa’s two slots in the 2027 Women’s World Cup inter-confederation play-offs, while Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire bow out.

South Africa struck first in the 56th minute through Thembi Kgatlana, who finished calmly after being set up by Hildah Magaia following a quick counter-attack. The Falcons pushed back and came close in the 75th minute when Uchenna Kanu’s header was brilliantly denied by Banyana goalkeeper Kaylin Swart.

Rasheedat Ajibade had earlier tested the South African defence with a long-range effort, but it drifted wide. Linda Motlhalo also went close for South Africa in the 7th minute. The 2-1 scoreline was enough to send the defending WAFCON champions Home.

In the other play-off at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Ghana staged a second-half comeback to beat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1.

The Lady Elephants took an early lead and looked in control in the first half, with the game turning physical as Bernadette Amani, Portia Boakye and Aïssata Gbehi all picked up yellow cards.

But the Black Queens returned stronger after the break. Princess Marfo levelled in the 59th minute before Josephine Bonsu converted a 72nd-minute penalty to complete the turnaround. Ghana held firm under late pressure to advance.

The defeat ends Côte d’Ivoire’s hopes of a second-ever World Cup appearance, their only previous outing coming in 2015. For Nigeria, a team with nine WAFCON titles, the result means they must now regroup and target qualification through future tournaments.

Both Ghana and South Africa will now represent Africa in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 inter-confederation play-offs, with the final tournament set to hold in Brazil.