Banyana Banyana have kept their dream of reaching the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup alive after producing a huge 2-1 victory over Nigeria in Casablanca on Thursday night.

Thembi Kgatlana opened the scoring in the 56th minute, and Refiloe Jane doubled South Africa’s lead with 13 minutes left. Nigeria pulled one back when Christy Ucheibe converted a stoppage-time penalty after Jane was sent off, but Banyana held on for a memorable victory.

The win means South Africa have secured a place in the inter-confederation play-offs, giving them another route to the World Cup in Brazil. Three teams will emerge from that play-off tournament with World Cup places.

It is a massive lifeline for Desiree Ellis and her team, who had seen their automatic qualification hopes to disappear after their quarter-final defeat to Morocco.

Now Banyana must regroup, prepare for the inter-confederation tournament later this year and produce their best football when the pressure is highest. They will be joined by Ghana after they produced a 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast.

The dream is still alive — but one final hurdle remains.