Sport
Khumalo Confident as Bantwana Aim To Secure World Cup Spot Against Nigeria
Bantwana of South Africa head coach, Ntombifuthi Khumalo, is determined to lead her team to the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Khumalo’s squad will face Nigeria’s Flamingos in the first leg of their second qualifying round at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday. Kick-off is set for 3 pm local time (2 pm in Nigeria).
Bantwana had a dominant run in the first round, crushing Gabon 22-1 on aggregate. However, Khumalo knows Nigeria will be a much tougher opponent.
“We are focused on getting to the World Cup,” Khumalo told safa.net. “Our plan is to manage each 15-minute period carefully, focusing on our defense to avoid conceding.”
She added that her team will play with an aggressive mindset. “We will press high and create scoring chances because we can’t win without attacking. But our main priority is to stay solid at the back and avoid conceding.”
Khumalo also mentioned that her team has worked on tactical adjustments, especially focusing on defense and pressing high up the pitch. The overall winner from this tie will advance to the final qualifying round.
Ghanaian Referee, Daniel Laryea, who officiated the Nigeria vs Morocco game in AFCON gets interviews and shared his experience.
The referee reveals how it was his first time in a semi final and was kind of nervous. “I’ve been to three AFCON tournaments, but this is the first time I’ve been in a semi-final.”
“So when coaches choose you for that game, they know your skills and what you can do. But of course, you feel a little nervous because of the level of the match.”
Nigerian Footballer, Bright Osayi-Samuel , react to match as Super Eagles lose to Morocco.
The player calls out CAF for their referee appointment. He shares how the Ghanaian Referee was tough on the field and made bad choices.
“One thing I would say is that the referee was really bad. I’m not saying that was the reason we lost. He is making really bad choices and it’s really tough to watch because we have referees like this in big games like today.
He then praises Morocco for a good game “But Morocco did really well.”
Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle speaks and shared why Nigeria lost the AFCON match to Morocco.
It can be noted that the match was held on the 14th of January, 2026. Nigeria lost the match with a draft in the penalties, 4-2.
During a recent interview, Chelle shared his observations about the match and shared why they lost.
“From a technical point of view, the Super Eagles weren’t at the same level as we displayed in our other matches.”
“I don’t want to say the reason was fatigue, but the truth is that we lacked movement and power.”
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