The Nigeria U-17 female football team, the Flamingos, defeated South Africa’s Bantwana 3-1 on Saturday.
This result gave them a strong advantage in the qualification series for this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals.
In the match, held at the Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, Shakirat Moshood scored in the 20th minute to give Nigeria the lead.
The Flamingos, bronze medallists at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, dominated early on.
Harmony Chidi, who scored 13 goals in last year’s qualifying series, converted a penalty from six yards. This doubled Nigeria’s lead in the first half.
South Africa responded after the break, with Malebana scoring from the penalty spot in the 47th minute. However, Harmony Chidi sealed the win with a third goal in the 68th minute.
The two teams will meet again on March 15 at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo for the return leg. The winner will progress to the final round of the qualification series.
The four victorious teams in the final round will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, joining hosts Morocco.
The tournament will run from Oct. 17 to Nov. 5. (NAN)
