Nigeria’s Flamingos, secured a vital 3-1 victory over Bantwana of South Africa in the 1st leg of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers in Pretoria on Saturday
The match, held at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, added another chapter to the storied football rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa.
Nigeria took an early lead in the 20th minute when Shakirat Moshood found the net with a well-placed strike.
The Flamingos doubled their advantage soon after from the penalty spot. Harmony Chidi, a prolific forward with 13 goals in the previous qualification campaign, confidently converted the spot-kick, giving Nigeria a commanding 2-0 lead.
South Africa responded immediately after halftime, reducing the deficit in the 47th minute through Malebana’s well-executed penalty.
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However, any hopes of a comeback were short-lived as Harmony Chidi struck again in the 68th minute, sealing a comfortable 3-1 win for Nigeria.
This victory places the Flamingos in a strong position ahead of the return leg, scheduled for Saturday, March 15, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo.
Flamingos’ delegation met with FECAFOOT President Samuel Eto’o in South Africa.
The aggregate winner will progress to the final round of qualification, where four teams will join host nation Morocco as Africa’s representatives at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, set to take place from October 17 to November 5.
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The second leg in Ikenne-Remo will be officiated by a Kenyan refereeing team, with Josephine Wanjiku as the center referee.
Mary Njoroge and Elizabeth Njoroge will serve as assistant referees, while Juma Lucy Awino will act as the fourth official. Cindy Barbara Dludlu from Eswatini has been appointed as the match commissioner, and Morocco’s Khadija Rezzag will oversee the refereeing team.
