Banyana beat Nigeria, at last

Thembi Kgatlana’s solitary goal recorded a famous victory for Banyana Banyana as they beat Nigeria 1-0 in the 2019 Women Africa Cup of Nations opening game at Cape Coast in Ghana last night.

Kgatlana, who came in in the second half, ensured that Banyana begin their Afcon campaign on a positive note as they registered three points in Group B.

But Banyana started the game on the back-foot, with the Nigerians looking dangerous and enjoying ball possession.

In the 24th minute, Rasheedat Busayo and Asisat Oshoala played a quick and beautiful one-two move inside the South African half but the shot wasn’t strong enough to trouble Banyana goalkeeper Kaylin Swart.

The Nigerians almost opened the scoring sheet in the 32nd minute, but Oshoala wasted the opportunity.

Striker Jermaine Seoposenwe almost gave Banyana a lead after connecting with Lebogang Ramalepe’s cross, but her touch wasn’t strong enough to beat the Nigerian keeper Oloewi Tochukwu in the 39th minute.

As the game headed towards the break, Seoposenwe once again found herself with a glorious opportunity to put Banyana on the lead, but the striker was unfortunate as she lost her footing with only the keeper to beat.

In the second half, Nigeria were first to get a chance at goals, but Francisca Ordega’s touch inside the penalty box was too heavy as Swart calmly collected the ball inside the opening five minutes.

Looking for some firepower upfront, Banyana coach Desiree Ellis introduced Kgatlana, replacing Busisiwe Ndimeni.

The 22-year old Kgatlana (below) didn’t take long to make an impact in the game as she gave the Nigerians something to worry about with her blistering pace.

As the game went on, it seemed like the sides would share the spoils, however, it wasn’t to be.

In the 84th minute Kgatlana’s first time shot found the back of the net to record Banyana’s first win against Nigeria in the group stages of the Afcon.