By Michael Madyira
Banyana Banyana will not be going to the 2024 Olympic Games after being denied a spot by Nigeria following a 0-0 draw at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday.
It was the second leg of the final qualifying match, with Nigeria making it to Paris 2024 on a 1-0 aggregate scoreline following their home win last week.
That means Banyana will miss out on the Olympics for a second successive time, after also failing to qualify for the 2020 Games.
Desiree Ellis’ girls had hopes of overturning the defeat suffered in Abeokuta but struggled, especially upfront, failing to take advantage of being at home.
For the team that started away, Ellis surprisingly benched veteran defender Noko Matlou for Nomvula Kgoale while Noxolo Cesane replaced Hilda Magaia in another interesting move.
The visitors still had Asisat Oshoala on the bench just like they did in the first leg and they did not look affected by their star player not starting.
In the first half, the Super Falcons appeared as the trailing team, enjoying the exchanges as Banyana struggled to create threatening opportunities.
But the home side showed some urgency in the second period and were nearly rewarded when substitute Sinoxolo Cesane forced a good save from Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Another South Africa substitute, Amogelang Motau, almost made an impact but found Nnadozie firm in goal with five minutes to go.
Banyana ramped up the pressure in the closing stages but lacked the bite upfront amid some high spirited defending by the Super Falcons.
At the Olympics, Nigeria will now join world champions Spain, South American champions Brazil and Japan in Group C.
Pictured above: Banyana Banyana’s Noxolo Cesane against Nigeria’s Deborah Abiodun
Image source: Banyana Banyana
