Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini has praised South Africa’s progress after their crucial 2–1 victory over Nigeria in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations World Cup play-off in Casablanca.
The result secured South Africa’s place in the next phase of the qualification process for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, while Nigeria’s historic run of appearances at every previous edition of the tournament came to an end.
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Dlamini expressed gratitude for the result, crediting the team’s hard work and determination for overcoming one of Africa’s most successful women’s football nations.
“We worked hard for this and we are grateful for the opportunity. We will continue working hard and see how far we can go.”
The veteran goalkeeper also expressed disappointment that Nigeria, whom she described as a great team, would not be progressing alongside South Africa.
However, she believes the result demonstrates how significantly women’s football has developed across the continent.
Dlamini noted that African nations are investing more in their teams and gradually narrowing the gap that once existed between Nigeria and the rest of the continent.
Her assessment is consistent with the broader development of African women’s football. CAF has highlighted the increasing number of African players competing in major international leagues, stronger domestic competitions and greater investment as factors contributing to the narrowing gap.
South Africa themselves have become one of the continent’s leading women’s football nations in recent years. Banyana Banyana won their first WAFCON title in 2022, while their continued investment in the women’s game has helped them establish themselves as a consistent challenger to Nigeria’s traditional dominance.
Dlamini had also previously emphasised the importance of World Cup qualification, describing the tournament as an opportunity for African players to compete against the world’s best and improve their careers.
The South African goalkeeper believes the latest result should therefore be viewed within the wider context of a rapidly developing women’s game on the continent.
Nigeria’s elimination, meanwhile, means the Super Falcons will miss the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in their history, underlining just how competitive African women’s football has become.
