By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
Again, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana defeated highly-rated Super Falcons of Nigeria 2-1 in the first group match of the 12th CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat, Morocco.
Two second half goals scored by two forwards, Jermaine Seoposenwe in the 61st minute and Hildah Magaia in the 63rd minute secured the South Africans all three points at stake in the first match of Group C as a late goal by Nigerian midfielder, Rasheedat Ajibade in the 89th minute did not change the final result on the night.
Both teams ended the first half of the high profile game in a draw as none of the sides breached the vital area of each other, leaving the fans at Complexes Moulay Hassan in Rabat with little to cheer about in the half.
Recall South Africa also beat Nigeria 1-0 in Cape Coast, Ghana when both nations met in the first Group B match of the 11th WAFCON Ghana 2018, although Nigeria later defeated them in the final via penalty shoot-out to lift the trophy for the 9th time.
However, the prediction of Prompt News in earlier report that the Nigeria versus South Africa match will be won from the bench as the coach with superior tactics will carry the day came to pass in the cool evening in Rabat.
The South African Head Coach Desiree Ellis who won the CAF Best Women’s Football Coach of the Year ttwo years ago, plotted Nigeria’s downfall in the dressing room.
She had her tactics spot-on and instructed her players to go for Nigeria’s jugular in the late minutes of the football match knowing that the Super Falcons backline is prone to costly mistakes while attacking.
The Nigerians looked out of shape with some players played out of position in the game, at least from what transpired in the match.
Although Nigeria lost the first game like in 2019 in Ghana, yet the Super Falcons are expected to improve in the subsequent matches to be able to beat Botswana and Burundi in the remaining two Group C matches to qualify for the next round.
