The South African women's spot at next year's event in The Hague, Netherlands, was not certain, however, until the very last moments of their match against Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, as it was their opponents that led the game 2-0 at half time.

But second half goals from Celia Evans and Bernie Coston tied the match before a Tanya Britz strike two minutes from full time sealed the 3-2 victory for South Africa at the continental event, which had originally been scheduled to take place in September but was postponed in the wake of the tragic siege at the Westgate Shopping Centre in the city.

"It's a big relief, an amazing feeling to have come back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 and realise our dream of qualifying for the World Cup in The Netherlands next year," South Africa captain Marcelle Keet said.

"It took hard work and the lesson learned is that nothing comes easy."

Equally, the South African men faced a strong challenge from their Egyptian counterparts, but ultimately took the title with a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Julian Hykes in the eighth minute and Clint Panther two minutes from full time.

"I am elated that we have qualified for next year's World Cup, a lot of people think it's easy for us to win the Africa title but it is never the case," their captain Austin Smith, who finished as the tournament top scorer and was also named player of the tournament, said.

"I'm very proud of the guys' discipline...our management deserve congratulations too."

The African champions now join the other teams qualified for the World Cup as they prepare for the event, taking place at the 15,000-capacity Kyocera Stadium on May 31 until June 15, 2014.

Hosts Netherlands, European champions Germany, Pan American champions Argentina, Asian champions Korea, Oceania champions Australia, England, Belgium, New Zealand, Spain, Malaysia and India complete the line up for the men's tournament.

Meanwhile, the women's teams set to compete at the World Cup will again be hosts Netherlands, as well as European champions Germany, Pan American champions Argentina, Asian champions Japan, Oceania champions Australia, England, Korea, New Zealand, China, the United States and Belgium.

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