Nigeria and South Africa have qualified for the 2019 Women’s World Cup with their victories in the semifinals of the CAF Women’s African Nations Cup on TUE 27 NOV 2018. Nigeria edged Cameroon on penalties after a goalless draw, and South Africa defeated Mali 2-0.

In the first semifinal in Accra, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon played to a 0-0 stalemate after 120 minutes, though Cameroon had the better of play, including a second half attempt off the woodwork by Ajara NJOYA. The Super Falcons were flawless in the penalty shootout, scoring on all four attempts, whilst goalkeeper Tochukwu OLUEHI saved one of Cameroon’s attempts, and Edith NGO MBELECK put her shot wide. The result maintains Nigeria’s perfect record of qualifying for all eight Women’s World Cups.

The second semifinal in Cape Coast saw a meeting of two teams each looking to qualify for the first time. Chrestina KGATLANA opened the scoring in the 31st minute, putting South Africa ahead for her fifth goal of the tournament. Lebohang RAMALEPE added a second late on to secure Banyana Banyana’s ticket to France.

Nigeria and South Africa meet on Saturday in Accra with the African title on the line. Prior to that, Friday’s third place match in Cape Coast gives Cameroon and Mali one last chance to qualify.