The Super Falcons of Nigeria were outclassed and defeated 2-1 by Bayana Bayana of South Africa in the opening game of group C of the ongoing Women Africa Cup of Nations (AWFCON) in Morocco.
The Falcons were defeated by old foes, Bayana Bayana by 2-1 in a game mostly dominated by the South Africans.
The 9-time defending Champions of the tournament lack cohesion and were dominated by the from the blast of the whistle.
Two quick goals in the second half proved the difference in what was termed the final before final when the draws were held.
Jermaine Seoposenwe who returned to the Banyana Banyana set-up for the first time since 2019 broke the deadlock in the 61st minute before Hildah Tholakele Magaia doubled the lead through an unstoppable shot only two minutes later.
The American Peter Waldrum tutored side reduced the deficit as Rasheedat Ajibdate scored deep in stoppage time to grab the consolation.
Asisat Oshoala limped off the pitch for Fransisca Ordega in the 82nd minutes of the ecounter.
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 in their opening group game.
The team is now walking a tight rope and must win their next two matches to stand a chance of qualifying for the next round of the competition.
The win was a demonstration of South Africa’s dominance over Nigeria in recent years.
Before Monday’s clash, the Super Falcons had failed to defeat the South Africans in the continental showpiece since 2016 when Desire Oparanozie’s goal separated the sides in the semi-final.
