Sweet revenge for Banyana Banyana

BANYANA Banyana laid the foundation for a hard-fought 4-2 win over Nigeria’s much-vaunted Super Falcons with a 3-0 first-half advantage in Lagos yesterday.

The match was the final encounter of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Nigeria threatened soon after the kick-off and breached South Africa’s penalty area, but failed to create a scoring chance.

The home crowd was silenced in the sixth minute when South Africa fortuitously opened the scoring through an own goal.

Nigerian defender Chidi Alozie steered the ball into the net as she tried to clear a cross into the penalty area.

The gift goal seemed to lift South Africa’s play, and Nigeria were forced to go on the defensive for a sustained spell.

The Banyana pressure was rewarded in the 17th minute when referee Zouweira Souley of Niger awarded a penalty.

Nigerian central defender Onome Ebi was blown up for handball, and midfielder Linda Motlhalo scored from the spot to give South Africa a commanding 2-0 lead.

South Africa increased their lead after terrific footwork by Thembi Kgatlana. Her 33rd minute shot was cleared, but the ball ricocheted off the crossbar, and striker Gabriela Salgado ghosted past the packed defence to nod the ball home to make it 3-0 to the visitors.

In the second half, Nigeria set about dismantling the deficit and substitute midfielder Obianujuwan Ikechukwu led the charge.

After only two minutes on the field, she opened Nigeria’s score by punishing South Africa’s sloppy defence in the penalty box.

The crowd was hardly back in their seats when Ikechukwu again intervened in great fashion.

She unleashed a 35m pile-driver, which left South African goalkeeper Kaylin Swart grasping air.

Substitute Mamello Makhabane finished the scoring from the spot.