THE Super Falcons of Nigeria defeated South Africa’s Banyana Banyana 1-0 in the first leg of their Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifying tie in Abuja today.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade struck the only goal of the closely-fought encounter from the penalty spot just before half-time.
After starting brightly and forcing decent saves from South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart, the Super Falcons finally got the breakthrough when Noko Matlou brought down Chinwendu Ihezuo in the box.
Ajibade stepped up to take the penalty and converted past the impressive Swart with two minutes left in the first half.
The Super Falcons had more opportunities to increase their lead in the second half but a combination of poor finishing and Swart’s smart saves kept the score at 1-0.
Banyana Banyana also had their chances, with Chiamaka Nnadozie making good saves to preserve the clean sheet for the nine-time African champions.
Due to injuries, Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum fielded an unfamiliar back four, with Michelle Alozie and Osinachi Ohale the only regulars, supported by Chidinma Okeke and midfielder Christy Ucheibe.
Despite the absence of Tosin Demehin and Ashleigh Plumptre, the Super Falcons defence held firm, and the midfield trio of Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde and Jennifer Echegini were impressive against the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations holders.
Ajibade, Ihezuo and Uchenna Kanu, who missed a great chance early in the second half, kept the Banyana Banyana defence busy as Asisat Oshoala, who arrived in Abuja from her United States of America base only yesterday, was dropped to the bench.
The second leg of the qualifying tie is scheduled for Tuesday in Pretoria, with the winners on aggregate earning one of Africa’s two tickets to the women’s football event of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games later this year.
