South Africa U-17 women\u2019s head coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo acknowledges the immense challenge his side faces as they prepare for their decisive second-leg clash against Nigeria<\/a> in the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women\u2019s World Cup qualifiers, Soccernet.ng<\/a> reports<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The Bantwana suffered a 3-1 defeat<\/a> in Pretoria in the first leg, leaving them with an uphill battle in the return fixture in Nigeria.<\/p>\n However, Khumalo remains hopeful of an upset that could see South Africa<\/a> advance to the final qualifying round.<\/p>\n The fixture was always going to be a stern test for South Africa, who had dismantled Gabon 21-2 on aggregate in the first round.<\/p>\n But facing Nigeria \u2014 Africa\u2019s most successful team at this level \u2014 was a different proposition.<\/p>\n The Flamingos<\/a> underlined their pedigree with a dominant first-leg display at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, where goals from Shakirat Moshood and a brace from Harmony Chidi<\/a> secured a crucial away victory.<\/p>\n Moshood opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a crisp finish, before Chidi doubled Nigeria\u2019s lead from the penalty spot just before half-time.<\/p>\n South Africa responded early in the second half when captain Katleho Malebana converted a penalty in the 47th minute, giving the hosts hope of a comeback.<\/p>\n FULL TIME: South Africa U17 1 VS 3 Nigeria U17 \u2014 Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) March 8, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n READ MORE\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n However, Nigeria reasserted their control in the 68th minute when Chidi struck again to restore the two-goal cushion, leaving South Africa with a difficult task in the second leg.<\/p>\n The Bantwana arrived in Nigeria on Thursday, with Khumalo stressing the importance of maintaining belief despite the odds stacked against them.<\/p>\n \u201cWe arrive today (Thursday) in Nigeria,\u2019 Khumalo said after the Bantwana\u2019s first training session.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is not going to be an easy game for us, since we have to climb the mountain after the loss at home. But today, we had the first session. Although we travelled (from South Africa to Nigeria) and the girls (are not fully rested), we will see how it goes.<\/p>\n \u201cThe good thing is we don\u2019t have any injuries and the girls are positive. Again, it is not going to be easy for us, especially being 3-1 down. We need to try our best to come back because the race is still on. It is up to us how to come stronger to the second leg.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n South Africa U17 Girls\u2019 Head Coach, Ntombifuthi Khumalo, speaks ahead of the crucial 2025 U17 FIFA Women\u2019s World Cup second-leg game against Nigeria\u2019s Flamingos at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne this Saturday. pic.twitter.com\/v9P4J7j7yG<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Flamingos-2-1.jpeg\")
Soccer Nigeria\u2019s Flamingos in command after first leg<\/h2>\n
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\u26bd\ufe0f Shakirat Moshood 20\u2019
\u26bd\ufe0f Chidi Harmony 40\u2019 (Pen)
\u26bd\ufe0f Malebana 47\u2019 (Pen)
\u26bd\ufe0f Chidi Harmony 68\u2019 #RSANGA<\/a> #2025FIFAU17WWCQ<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/4LgTe1NDrQ<\/a><\/p>\n\n
Soccer Khumalo stays positive despite daunting task<\/h2>\n
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