Banyana Banyana Shock Falcons In AWCON Opener

Reigning Africa Women Cup of Nations champions the Super Falcons of Nigeria suffered a shock 1-0 loss to the Banyana Banyana of South Africa in their opening group B clash at the Cape Coast stadium in Ghana.

Chrestinah Kgatlana grabbed the match-winner six minutes from time firing in thumping shot from the edge of the box.

It was the ninth encounter between both teams at the AWCON championship since inaugurated in 2000, having met eight times in 10 previous editions.

The cagey encounter saw both teams creating few chances in the opening minutes, with Mamello Makhabane’s long-range shot from the middle of the park coming close.

Desire Oparanoize had the Super Falcons best chance to score in the 32nd minute but the Guingamp forward blazed Asisat Oshoala delightful cut back pass into the stands.

The Banyana Banyana then appealed for a penalty after Refiloe Jane was brought down inside the box, however, the plea fell on deaf ears as the referee waved play on instead.

In the second half, Banyana almost took the lead when a low cross-connected with Jermain Seoposenwe but she shot wide of the target from close range.

Banyana threatened later on but beat the side-netting through an acute angle from Thembi Kgatlana.

The latter wasn’t denied five minutes from time as she rifled home a first-time volley.

In search of a come back with limited time remaining, Banyana stood their ground to beat the Nigerians for the first time in eleven games.