South African coach Maude Khumalo believes that the chances of her country qualifying for the FIFA Under-17 Women World are slim following the 6-0 whitewash by their Nigerian counterparts.

Maude Khumalo

The Nigeria girls’ assault spear-headed by Rasheedat Ajbade punished the South Africans severely, for their poor defensive display and errors at the first leg decided at the National Stadium Abuja.

“It was our first international game, and it was unfortunate that we conceded many goals. So we have to work very hard for the return leg because it is going to be very difficult because of the goals we conceded,” Khumalo said.

Nigerian coach Bala Nikyu buttressed her point, and sees no way out for the South Africa girls.

“The South Africans will now be playing on their home ground under pressure. At home they will want to reply quickly with goals. By so doing we will have more advantage because by the time you are desperate to attack your opponent’s goal area in a bid to score, you won’t know when you are leaving your rear open to counter attacks. So I think we have a better advantage”, Nikyu disclosed.