Bantwana suffer a setback in u17 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier
The South Africa u17 girls’ national team, known as Bantwana, suffered a setback in a second round, first leg, u17 Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) | FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier against Nigeria at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, in Pretoria, on Saturday, going down 1-3.
Despite contending with strong support from the locals, who sang and chanted throughout the contest, Nigeria secured a solid victory in South Africa’s backyard.
The game was tense in the early going, with a tactical battle unfolding. Nigeria, though, exhibited more composure on defence than the home team and maintained a good structure while seeking to punish South Africa with counterattacks down the flanks.
Mphelo Thorisho, on the left, and Sethabile Kamwande, at right-back, were kept busy by the speedy and skilful Nigerian wings. Both, though, were up to the task.
The match flowed one way and then the other until Nigeria took the lead through Shakirat Moshood. They went two goals clear when Harmony Chidi struck three minutes before the break.
With her team trailing, Bantwana coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo made some changes in an effort to overturn the Nigerians’ lead, including removing Nobahle Mdelwa. The Flamingos had done their homework and shut down the supply routes to Mdelwa.
South Africa pulled a goal back when captain Katlego Malebana netted from the penalty spot to give the hosts the hope of a share of the spoils. But Chidi scored her second goal of the game to make it 3-1 and Bantwana couldn’t find a way through the visitors.
South Africa fought to the end, but they failed to make use of the chances they created. It was a frustrating afternoon for the fans in the stands, who felt their team should have scored more than one goal.
After the game, Bantwana’s head coach, Ntombifuthi Khumalo, told the SAFA Media team that there are areas where her team needs to improve, but she remains hopeful that they can stage a strong comeback in Nigeria.
“Once our opponents put pressure on us, that’s where we fail to protect our posts,” Khumalo said. “That’s the challenge we need to fix before we head into the second leg. The girls showed resilience, and we know what we need to work on.”
South Africa captain Katlego Malebana was optimistic about her side’s chances of turning the tie around in Nigeria. “The game wasn’t that bad,” she said. “We just need to take advantage of our opportunities next time around. We believe in ourselves, and we’ll be ready for the second leg.”
Flamingos’ coach Bankole Olowookere praised his team’s performance, but he expects a tougher challenge in the return leg. “We had a good result, but we need to improve on a few things for the next game, as I know South Africa is also going to improve,” he said.
South Africa faces Nigeria at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo next weekend. They have a huge mountain to climb if they are to keep their u17 FIFA Women’s World Cup dream alive.
