Nigeria moved closer to qualifying for this year's FIFA U20 Women World Cup after they defeated familiar opponents South Africa 2-0 on Saturday.

 Two first half goals from strikers Rasheedat Ajibade and Anam Imo lifted the Falconets past their hosts Basetsana who failed to find their rhythm on homesoil.

Ajibade opened scoring on the 30th minute with a lovely stunner from the right hand of the penalty box of the South Africans, which goalkeeper Mapaseka Mpuru had no answer to.

Their lead was doubled few moments later when Nasarawa Amazon's player Imo fired home from a rebound after Mpuru had saved the initial attempt.

Basetsana did tried to comeback into the game in the second half but they could not break the defence of the Falconets beautifully coordinated by captain Kemi Famuditi, Christy Ucheibe, Mary Ologbosere and Opeyemi Sunday.

The result leaves South Africa in a difficult situation in their attempt to reach a first-ever U20 women's world cup finals ahead of the return leg.


Elsewhere, Ghana grabbed an important away goal in their 1-1 draw with Cameroon in the other final round qualifying match in Yaoundé played on Sunday.

Alexander Takounda had given the Cameroonians a first half lead with a brilliant header from a resulting freekick to send the home fans into wild jubilation.

However, they failed to guide their lead and thereby allowing their visitors to find the net after the restart of the clash through in-form Priscilla Adubea.

Ghana will now hope for a win or a goalless draw to secure their spot in the 9th edition of the biennial women's competition billed for France between 5th and 24th August.

The deciding qualifiers comes up on the weekend of January 26 and 27 at the Samuel Ogbemudia and Cape Coast stadiums.


Facebook: Ultima Sports Net 
Twitter: @RachyUgiagbe411
Instagram: @RachyUgiagbe411