Africa Women's Cup Of Nations
Result: Banyana Banyana 0-0 Nigeria (Nigeria won 4-3 on penalties)
Date: 01 December 2018
Banyana Banyana had to settle for the silver medal at the Africa Women's Cup of Nations after losing to Nigeria on penalties in the final on Saturday evening.
Banyana had to make do without the services of Refiloe Jane, who had to leave the camp and return to her club in Australia.
Both sides looked lively in the early stages of the encounter, but they were both restricted to efforts from distance, none of which were threatening.
Banyana goalkeeper Kaylin Swartz saw a lot of the ball and she produced a good save after 24 minutes following an error from the defence.
Ordega Francisca nearly put Nigeria ahead after 37 minutes, as she worked some space before curling one just wide of the upright.
After a quiet start to the second half, Banyana were dealt a blow in the 68th minute when Leandra Smeda was unable to continue to due to injury and replaced by Alice Matlou.
However, Nigeria were awarded a penalty after Swartz had brought down Francisca in the box. Asisat Oshoala stepped up but failed to convert the spot-kick.
Neither side could find a winning goal in the closing stages of the second half, forcing the encounter into another 30 minutes of extra-time.
The extra 30 minutes failed to provide any proper goal-mouth action and the match was to be decided by a penalty shoot-out, where Nigeria held their nerve to triumph.
