Mueez Ajao
– South Africa downed Nigeria 2-1 at Rabat’s Stade Moulay Hassan on Monday in order to stake an early claim as favourites for Group C and the Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) title.
– Banyana Banyana dominated possession from the first whistle against the Super Eagles, but the first half was a cagey affair without many clear chances. Respective star forwards Asisat Oshoala and Thembi Kgatlana were heavily marked.
– Nigeria came out of the blocks quickly in the second half. Oshoala’s shot on the turn was saved and held by goalkeeper Andile Dlamini in the 49th minute after a long ball was allowed to bounce.
Also Read: Nigeria’s football masterplan ready – Committee
– In the 61st minute, the breakthrough finally arrived at the other end. Noxolo Cesane took down a long ball and slipped in Jermaine Seoposenwe to put Banyana Banyana ahead.
– Within two minutes, Seoposenwe flicked the ball on to midfielder Refiloe Jane, who threaded a through ball for Hildah Magaia to double the lead.
– Goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi was lucky to escape without a red card in the 82nd minute after she fouled Atlético Madrid’s Kgatlana with the 26-year-old bearing down on goal.
– In stoppage time, Michelle Alozie’s corner found Onome Ebi, who picked out Rasheedat Ajibade for the finish — nothing more than a consolation goal.
– Linda Motlhalo claimed the Woman of the Match honours — a sign of how Banyana dominated the midfield battle.
