Banyana Banyana beat Falcons in WAFCON opener

Defending champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons on Monday evening began their title defence on a bad note as they lost 1-2 to arch rivals, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, in a group C of the ongoing 12th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Recall the Banyana Banyana humbled the Falcons during their last meeting at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos, last year with a 4-2 scoreline at the Aisha Buhari Cup.

This time, the Rainbow Ladies humbled nine-time African champions again with a 2-1 scoreline at the Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat.

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After a goalless situation in the first half, the South Africans coached by Desiree Ellis, capped their pressure mounted on Randy Waldrum’s side with an opener in the 63rd minute through Jermaine Seoposenwe who beat goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi from close range.

The Falcons were still struggling to regain their senses when Hildah Magaia barely two minutes later made it 2-0 as she fired past onrushing Oluehi after receiving a defence-splitting pass from Refiloe Jane.

Barcelona star, Asisat Oshoala was later replaced by Francisca Oderga while Uchenna Kanu came on for Ifeoma Onumonu in the 81st minute to strengthen the Falcons, as their opponents were up and doing to defend their two-goal lead.

Atletico Madrid attacker, Thembi Kgatlana led the South Africans’ attack to ceaselessly mount pressure on the Falcons for the better part of the game.

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Rasheedat Ajibade also of Atletico Madrid eventually scored a consolatory goal for Nigeria as she finished off the rebound from the effort of captain Onome Ebi during added time.

The Falcons will on Thursday take on Botswana in their second group as South Africa tackle Burundi.