GHANA, NIGERIA AND SA INTO FINAL ROUND OF U-20 WORLD CUP AFRICAN QUALIFIERS
THE FAMILIAR trio of Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa have booked their places for the final round of the African qualifiers for the Fifa Under-20 Women’s World Cup France 2018.
Convincing home wins for Nigeria and South Africa was enough for them to confirm their spot at the final hurdle joining Cameroon in the battle for the two African representatives at next year’s finals.
Carrying a comfortable 2-0 lead from the first leg, Burundi were shocked by a ruthless South Africa side that returned to winning ways with a 5-0 victory in Johannesburg on Saturday to advance to the next round 5-2 on aggregate.
A brace by the skipper, Linda Motlhalo (pictured) and goals apiece by Lelona Daweti, Khanya Xesi and Gabriela Salgado ensured Basetsana move closer to their dream of qualifying for their firstever World Cup competition.
Speaking after the match, Basetsana coach, Maud Khumalo said their plan was to go for the kill but remain compact at the back to avoid conceding on the counter.
“Even though we had some of our players back, we had to remain disciplined in our attack because we knew they would want to catch us on the counter.
“We are now a step closer to going to the World Cup but the final round will not be easy and we need to work extra hard to earn our place in France,” said Khumalo
Elsewhere,South Africa’s opponent in the final round, Nigeria, overcame Morocco 5-1 in Benin
City also on Saturday and progress 6-2 on aggregate.
Playmaker Rasheedat Ajibade and Nyakno Monday gave the Falconets an early two-goal lead before Fatima Tagnaout pulled one back for the visitors before the break.
Charity Reuben scored twice in the second half before Ajibade put the icing on the cake with her seventh goal of the campaign on the stroke of full-time.
Ghana striker Princella Adubea was yet again at her best scoring a brace as the Princesses downed Kenya 5-1 away in Machakos near Nairobi on Sunday to complete a double and record a 10-1 aggregate.
Two teams will emerge from the African qualifiers to represent the continent at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in August 5-24 2018, in France. – ANA LEADING BY EXAMPLE: Linda Motlhalo, captain of South Africa, during the Womens Under-20 World Cup qualifier against Burundi where she scored twice to help her team to their 5-0 victory.