The South African U17 Women’s National Team, Bantwana, are in a do or battle against Ethiopia when the two nations meet in the second leg second round of the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers on Saturday, 10 February.
The clash takes place at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville with a 15h00 kick-off.
The hosts go into this match with their backs against the wall following a 3-0 defeat away at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa in the first leg last weekend (4 February 2024).
Two goals in the opening stanza and a third in the second half was enough for the East Africans to take a commanding lead going into the reverse fixture.
Hidat Kassu grabbed a brace while Manayush Tefsaye chipped in with one goal.
In Atteridgeville, South Africa needs to respond with four goals and ensure the visitors don’t find the back of the net – anything to the contrary will be curtains for Head Coach Nthabeleng “Dunga” Modiko’s charges who have been hard at work this week finalising preparations for the big match.
This all-important clash will be livestreamed on the SAFA Facebook page.
In the third round, scheduled for May, Kenya lie in wait after progressing following a walkover when DR Congo withdrew from the qualifiers.
Three winners in the fourth and final round, which will be played in June, will represent the African continent at the 2024 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic from 16 October to 3 November.
Sixteen teams in total will participate in the tournament.
Spain are the defending champions.
By Matlhomola Morake
