Super Falcons Fall To A Narrow Defeat Against Banyana Banyana Of South Africa In Group C Opener.
The Super falcons who are nine times Champions of Africa fell to a 1-2 defeat their South African counterpart in the opening match of the Group C at the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The rivary between both team was intense in the first 45 minutes which ended in a stalemate at the the Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat, Morocco where both team had chances but failed to convert it.
Two swift goals in the second half made the difference in what was known as the final before final.
In the 61st minute, Jermaine Seoposenwe, who had not played for Banyana Banyana since 2019, broke the score. Two minutes later, Hildah Tholakele Magaia doubled the lead in 63 mins with an unstoppable shot.
Deep into stoppage time 90+2, Rasheedat Ajibdate scored to secure the consolation goal for the falcons to make the match end for 2-1.
The victory served as a reminder of South Africa's recent dominance over Nigeria. The Super Falcons have not defeated or scored against South Africa in a continental championship match since Desire Oparanozie's goal split the two teams in the semi-final in 2016.
Despite the performance of the night's Veteran and ageless captain Onome Ebi who provided an assist for Ajibade for the Consolation goal and Ashleigh Plumptre, Desiree Ellis' team nevertheless managed to secure the first three points in Group C.
Oshoala who was leading Nigeria’s assault in attack was unusually quiet upfront and feared to be injured had to make way for Fransisca Ordega in the 82nd minutes.
The Barcelona forward may need to have a better understanding with strike partner Ifeoma Onumonu heading into the next group game against Botswana on Thursday as their partnership didn’t yield the expected result.
Super Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum speaking with the media after South Africa's defeat said; "We knew it would be a difficult game, it is the first game of the tournament and it is a long tournament. We have to prepare for the next games.
"I was surprised with our performance in the attack. We got a late goal and we tried to get back in the game, we are still positive.
"I am looking forward to how we can improve, we will look at the areas we were exposed and we will make those corrections.
"We can't panic at this period, we still have two group games and we have to improve.
We will analyse and review individual players performance and make the right decisions in the next games."
READ MORE: Asisat Oshoala Confident Ahead Of The Clash With Bayana Bayana Of South Africa In WAFCON Opener.
Recall that The Super Falcons also lost against the Bayana Bayana at 2018 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, but they bounced back to defeat the same opponent in the final to capture their ninth title.
Banyana Banyana has been four WAFCON finals but failed to win any of them, as they would be looking forward to rewrite history in Morocco.
Super Falcons who are the defending champions has reached nine WAFCON finals and won all of them.
Nigeria next match would be against debutants Burundi on Sunday 10 July, while South Africa would play against Botswana on the same day.
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