Banyana Banyana will face their longstanding rivals Nigeria in the last and crucial fourth round of the Olympic qualifiers after the Super Falcons overcame Cameroon in their tie.
The first leg in Douala ended in a goalless draw, but Nigeria finished the job at Abuja National Stadium in the second leg on Monday, when the Super Falcons collected a 1-0 win.
Banyana, who are the African champions, did better than Nigeria away, crushing Tanzania 3-0 at Azam Complex Stadium in Mbagala on Friday and will host them at Mbombela Stadium in the second leg on Tuesday.
Banyana flew out of the blocks, with their goals scored by Jermaine Seoposenwe, Thembi Kgatlana, and Hildah Magaia.
Nigeria, just like Banyana, reached the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16, losing to England on penalties, while Banyana were beaten 2-0 by the Netherlands.
It will be another clash between South Africa and Nigeria after the Super Eagles beat Bafana Bafana on penalties in the semi-final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations that was held in Ivory Coast earlier this month.
However, Bafana went on to claim the bronze medal, beating DR Congo on penalties, while Nigeria lost 2-1 to the host nation. The two teams will meet each other again in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June.
Meanwhile, the last time Banyana played against Nigeria was in the opening of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in 2022, winning 2-1 thanks to goals by Seoposenwe and Hildah Magaia.
As Banyana won that competition, Nigeria claimed the bronze medal after beating Zambia. The Olympic Games will be held in France between 26 July until 11 August, with four African spots up for grabs.
