The South African U17 Women’s National Team have been knocked out of the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Bantwana bowed out on a high with a 1-0 victory over their counterparts from Ethiopia in the second leg third round qualifier played in the capital Addis Ababa. They lost 3-1 on aggregate.
Malehlohonolo Mibe scored in the 34th minute at the Abebe Bikila Stadium to give the visitors hope, but it was not to be.
The South Africans travelled to Ethiopia at the back of a 3-0 loss in the reverse fixture held at the Wits Stadium in Johannesburg a fortnight ago.
Head coach Simphiwe Dludlu selected a completely new team for the qualifiers, giving them a taste of international football.
The victory saw Ethiopia progress to the fourth and final round where Nigeria lies in wait.
The four other remaining nations in the qualifiers are Cameroon who will face Tanzania while Ghana have a date with Morocco.
The three nations that emerge victorious will represent the African continent at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup scheduled to be played in India from 11-30 October.
This will be the 7th edition of the tournament after the 2020 event was canned due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
North Korea, who lifted this trophy in 2008 and in 2016, New Zealand, as well as 2014 Champions Japan have already qualified, joining hosts India. Brazil, Chile and Colombia ,have also booked their tickets to the Far East tournament – bringing to nine the total number of nations confirmed for the competition.
UEFA (3), CAF (3) and CONCACAF (3) are yet to name their representatives to complete the 16 country World Cup.
Spain are the reigning U17WWC champions.
The draw for the tournament will be held in Zurich on June 24.
FIFA has announced that Bhubaneswar, Goa and Navi Mumbai are the host cities.
Third Round results:
| Team 1 | Agg. | Team 2 | 1st leg | 2nd leg |
| Zambia | 0–5 | Cameroon | 0–2 | 0–3 |
| Burundi | 2–5 | Tanzania | 0–4 | 2–1 |
| South Africa | 1–3 | Ethiopia | 0–3 | 1–0 |
| Nigeria | 6–0 | Egypt | 4–0 | 2–0 |
| Guinea | 1–10 | Ghana | 1–3 | 0–7 |
| Niger | 0–18 | Morocco | 0–11 | 0–7 |
Fourth & Final Round Fixtures:
By Matlhomola Morake
