7 February 2018 – The South African U17 Women’s National Team (Bantwana), together with their counterparts from Ghana, have taken giant steps towards qualifying for the 2018 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup following wins by big margins, to almost secure two of the available three slots for the African continent.
Bantwana defeated Morocco 5-1 this past weekend (Sunday, 4 February) in a first leg second round qualifier at the Dobsonville Stadium, while Ghana travelled to Djibouti and emerged 9-0 winners on Friday, 2 February.
For the third spot, it is a tight race between Nigeria and Cameroon who played to a 2-all draw in Benin City, Nigeria – giving the Cameroonians a slight advantage with the away goals.
In the return fixtures, South Africa travels to Morocco and the two nations will lock horns on Saturday, 17 February at the Stade Boubker Aamar in Sale, while on the same day Cameroon will host Nigeria in Yaounde at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo.
The following day (Sunday, 18 February) Ghana will welcome Djibouti at the Cape Coast Stadium in Cape Coast.
Winners of the second round will represent Africa at final tournament scheduled for 13 November – 1 December 2018 in Uruguay.
A total of 16 teams from six Confederations qualify for the final tournament.
So far, Uruguay has already qualified as the hosts, and they have been joined by
Korea DPR, Korea Republic and Japan from Asia, as well as New Zealand from Oceania.
The official draw will be held on 30 May 2018.
CAF 1st LEG 2nd ROUND RESULTS:
Bantwana (South Africa) 5 – 1 Morocco
Flamingos (Nigeria) 2 – 2 Cameroon
Black Maidens (Ghana) 9 – 0 Djibouti
CAF 2nd LEG 2nd ROUND FIXTURES:
Saturday, 17 February 2018
Morocco vs South Africa
Stade Boubker Aamar
Sale
Morocco
14h30 (16h30 SA Time)
Saturday, 17 February 2018
Cameroon vs Nigeria
Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo
Yaounde
Sunday, 18 February 2018
Ghana vs Djibouti
Cape Coast Stadium
Cape Coast
Ghana