South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis has said it is important for her side to be fully prepared for the clash against the Super Falcons of Nigeria, DAILY POST reports.
The Banyana Banyana crashed out of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations last Saturday following a 2-1 defeat to hosts Morocco.
Nigeria, meanwhile lost 1-0 to the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in a keenly contested quarter-final encounter at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca on Sunday night.
South Africa will battle the Super Falcons in a play-in clash at the Moulay Rachid Stadium, Casablanca on Thursday.
The winner will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs with nine other teams.
Three teams will secure qualification to the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil from the mini tournament – which will take place in November and December, 2026.
Ellis stated that they must make use of the opportunity to make it to the World Cup.
“We’re not out of it. We didn’t want to go down that route, but it’s been thrown at us,” Ellis was quoted by ESPN.
“We need to get ready for the next game mentally, get ready for it physically, we need to recover quickly.”
WAFCON 2026: South Africa coach declares readiness for Super Falcons clash