Basetsana miss out on FIFA World Cup

The South African u20 national women’s team, known as Basetsana, has been eliminated from the FIFA World Cup qualifiers following a 0-1 defeat to Ghana at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

In the first leg of the third round qualifiers, Basetsana journeyed to Ghana and fought hard for a 2-2 draw at the Accra Sports Stadium on 8 February.

During the return leg in Nelspruit, the visitors outperformed the hosts.

The first half concluded without any goals as both teams vigorously chased an opener, yet neither succeeded in breaking the stalemate.

In the second half, the Black Princesses were reenergised. They dictated the pace of the contest, and their persistence was rewarded when Priscilla Mensah netted a goal three minutes after the hour mark to break open the deadlock.

Following the visitors’ goal, Basetsana battled tirelessly to regain their footing in the match, but Ghana’s defence remained resolute.

Ultimately, Ghana maintained their 1-0 advantage until the final whistle, which gave them a 3-2 win on aggregate and a place in the next phase of the competition.

For South Africa, though, their FIFA World Cup dream is over.

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Siya Pongco

A passionate reader and dedicated writer, Siya possesses three degrees from Rhodes University including a Postgraduate Diploma at Rhodes University. He also played amateur cricket and soccer, both during his university years. While honing his journalism skills at Grocott’s Mail in Makhanda, he developed a profound interest in the community’s response to crime. Additionally, he covered topics such as art/culture and student politics at Rhodes University in 2022. In his spare time, Siya can be found exploring galleries, dining at restaurants, indulging in literature, taking photographs or savouring his favourite dish, spaghetti.

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