South Africa defender Karabo Dhlamini is urging her Banyana Banyana teammates to approach their upcoming clash against Nigeria’s Super Falcons with real determination. The two sides meet in a play-off that offers the winner another shot at reaching the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through the inter-confederation stage.
Banyana Banyana had hoped to book their place automatically but fell short after a 2-1 defeat to hosts Morocco in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. That result left the team with this extra fixture as their remaining route forward, and Dhlamini wants everyone to treat it as a fresh opportunity rather than a setback.
Speaking after the Morocco game, the defender said the overall aim has not changed. She explained that the side had put in a solid performance before an early goal disrupted their flow and momentum. While the players felt disappointed, Dhlamini stressed that the result is not the end of the road and the focus must now turn to scoring goals and securing victory in the play-off.
The match will be played at Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca on Thursday, with kick-off set for 9pm Nigerian time.
