Desiree Ellis, head coach of South Africa's Banyana Banyana, asserts that their upcoming fixture against Nigeria's Super Falcons in the 2024 Olympic Games final qualifying round will be a critical showdown, Nigeriasocccernet.com reports.
The reigning African champions secured their meeting with old rivals Nigeria following a hard-fought 1-0 triumph against Tanzania on Tuesday night.
Thembi Kgatlana, former African women’s Player of the Year, sealed the victory with a decisive goal in the second half, leading South Africa to a commanding 4-0 aggregate win.
"It will be do or die," declared Ellis in the aftermath of the Tanzania match. "We want to have an early camp; we will improve our chances when we prepare early and very well."
Scheduled between April 1-9, 2024, South Africa and Nigeria will engage in a two-legged clash, with the overall victors earning the prestigious opportunity to represent Africa at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun