July 05, (THEWILL) – The Super Falcons of Nigeria, the nine-times female football champions of Africa, were beaten 2-1 on Monday by Banyana Banyana of South Africa in the opening match of group C.
All three goals were scored in the second half of the game as South Africa emerged 2-1 victors after the first half ended goalless. Seoposewe and Magaia’s goals in the 60th and 62nd minutes gave South Africa a 2-0 advantage. But, late in the ensuing extra minute of the second half, Rasheedat Ajibade made it 2-1 as the Nigerians made some half-spirited efforts to level the scores.
The game plan of the Randy Waldrum-led Super Falcons appeared to be long balls in for Asisat Oshoala to run at and find the goals the Nigerian team needed but this was well-read by their opponents and the Falcons were never able to get beyond the coordinated and stiffened defence of Banyanya Banyanya. Desiree Ellis’s ladies showed that they were undoubtedly well-prepared.
The South Africans look ready to make a more realistic run for the trophy this time around to make up for what has been a dismal track record in continental female football. Banyanya Banyanya has lost five of the last 13 finals, three to Nigeria and two to Equatorial Guinea.
For the Nigerians, the road to extending their record as the most successful team in the continent will require a lot more than what was on display against the South Africans. There was poor tactics, lack of a proper midfield coordinating movement from defense to attack and the substitutions to change the poor display came late. They will now hope for a win in their upcoming match against Botswana on Thursday to keep their goal for a 10th title alive.
With Botswana and Burundi still playing tonight, the Falcons are at the bottom of the standings after matchday one.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
