Thembi Kgatlana scored two goals at the 2023 Women's World Cup and netted again in Casablanca to keep alive South Africa's hopes of returning to the tournament
Nigeria have failed to qualify for the Fifa Women's World Cup for the first time after they were beaten 2-1 by South Africa in a play-off at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon).
The continent's top-ranked team went into the tournament in Morocco as favourites to retain their title but were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Cameroon, having already lost to Malawi in the group stage.
With the four semi-finalists guaranteed a spot at next year's World Cup, Justin Madugu's side had one more chance to keep alive their hopes of reaching Brazil, with the winner of their one-off tie in Casablanca entering an inter-confederation qualifier.
But second-half goals from Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane were enough to give Banyana Banyana victory, despite unexpected late drama when Jane was sent off after picking up a second yellow card for handling the ball inside her own six-yard box.
Christy Ucheibe slotted home the penalty in the 93rd minute to set up a grandstand finish, and there was even time for goalkeeper Kaylin Swart, South Africa's hero, to save brilliantly with her feet to deny Michelle Alozie with almost the last kick of the game.
The 2022 Wafcon champions join Ghana in Fifa's inter-confederation qualifier after the Black Queens came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 earlier on Thursday.
Nigeria have appeared at all nine Women's World Cups since the first was held in China in 1991.
Missing out is unlikely to go down well in a country where football fans are used to their team dominating, with the Super Falcons having won Wafcon a record 10 times.
But seeing off Desiree Ellis' well-drilled Banyana team was never likely to be easy.
While the first half in Casablanca was a non-event, the second period was anything but, with chances aplenty.
Asisat Oshoala should have done better when she bundled her way through several challenges and poked goalwards from inside the six-yard box, failing to get the requisite power on her strike to trouble Swart.
The six-time African footballer of the year was subbed soon after and there will no doubt be questions about whether the 31-year-old might have appeared at her final Wafcon.
The breakthrough came on the counter in the 56th minute, with striker Ronnel Donnelly playing an exquisite through ball from midway inside her own half to set Hildah Magaia free.
Magaia's cross from the left was met by the onrushing Kgatlana, whose shot had enough power to sneak over the line despite keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie getting a strong hand to it.
