Nigeria’s Flamingos put on a stunning show against South Africa’s Bantwana, securing a 3-1 win in the first leg of their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier clash on Saturday.
The thrilling encounter took place at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, where head coach Bankole Olowookere revealed a talented starting lineup featuring Christiana Uzoma, Jumai Adebayo, Azeezat Oduntan, Philomina Isaiah, Hannah Ibrahim, Christiana Sunday, Shakirat Moshood, Olamide Olanrewaju, Harmony Chidi, Muinat Rotimi and Aishat Animashaun.
The Flamingos kicked off the game with an exciting start, earning their first goal in the 20th minute courtesy of Shakirat Moshood’s strike before Chidi Harmony scored the second goal with a clinical spot kick, giving the team a commanding advantage by halftime.
However, Bantwana desperately pursued a comeback in the second half, driven to avoid a home loss. Their efforts yielded results when they got a penalty few minutes into the half, which was dispatched beyond Christiana Uzoma, narrowing the Flamingos’ lead.
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With South Africa pushing to level the scoreline, the Flamingos seized control once again as Harmony Chidi scored her second goal of the game to restore the team’s two-goal lead in the 68th minute. Despite Bantwana’s efforts to reduce the deficit, the Flamingos held on to secure an important win away from home.
The crucial victory is a significant step for the Flamingos in their quest to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. The team will face Bantwana again in the return leg on March 15 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
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