The Super Falcons of Nigeria were outfoxed in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group C opener, losing 2-1 to Banyana Banyana of South Africa at the Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat, Morocco.
The Super Falcons created the best chance of the half in the 12th minute, with Asisat Oshoala running into a good position to receive a pass by Michelle Alozie. But the South African defence cleared the danger.
Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi a couple of times had to save Tochukwu Oluehi in goal from trouble, after the keeper misjudged the ball when Thembi Kgatlana threatened. However, there was nothing to separate the teams as the scores were 0-0 at halftime. South Africa finished the first 45 minutes with 59.6% of possession.
It was a match the nine-time African champions, Nigeria, seemed to lack coordination. South Africa showed strength and determination to hold off the Nigerians, and create chances in the encounter.
Two quick goals by in the 61st minute and 63rd minute by the duo of Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hildah Magaia saw South Africa go ahead.
Atletico Madrid star Rasheedat Ajibade pulled one goal back for Nigeria in added time. However, it was too little, too late for the Nigerians as the scores finished 2-1 in favour of South Africa.
It is the 3rd time Nigeria is losing to Banyana Banyana in four matches. They lost 1-0 in November 2018 at the WAFCON in Ghana, lost 4-2 at the Aisha Buhari Tournament n September in Lagos, before today’s loss.
The Super Falcons’ last victory against South Africa was on December 1st 2018, in the final of the WAFCON tournament, with the then Thomas Dennerby led ladies triumphing 4-3 on penalties after regulation time ended goalless.
Super Falcons will hope to bounce back from the defeat as thye face debutants, Botswana on Saturday.
FT in Rabat| Not the result we wanted, but now it’s time to bounce back and focus on the next game!
Nigeria 🇳🇬 1-2 South Africa 🇿🇦 #SoarSuperFalcons #GoingFor10 #WAFCON2022 #WeCountOnYou @thenff pic.twitter.com/ykfK6AxGAd
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) July 4, 2022
