Banyana Banyana suffered a 1-0 loss to Nigeria in the first leg of their final Olympic qualifier on Friday evening.
CAF Olympic Qualifier
Result: Nigeria 1-0 South Africa
Date: 05 April 2024
Venue: MKO Abiola Stadium
Banyana coach Desiree Ellis named a strong line-up that was skippered by Refiloe Jane alongside Linda Motlhalo in midfield, with the attack led by Thembi Kgatlana, supported by Jermaine Seoposenwe.
Nigeria settled the quickest in the early stages as they created chances and Banyana had to get used to the scorching heat, where a water break was required after just 15 minutes.
The visitors were absorbing the pressure and nearly went behind around the half-hour mark after they were rescued by goalkeeper Kaylin Swart who had a good reaction in the box.The Super Falcons' pressure eventually paid off just before the interval after they were awarded a penalty for a foul by Noko Matlou in the box.
Rasheedat Ajibade stepped up and made no mistake from the spot-kick, as Nigeria went to the break with the lead.
Banyana improved their attacking game early in the second stanza as Seoposenwe was denied the equaliser by the reflexes of goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
South Africa gained momentum as they pressurized Nigeria but the home side's defence defended resolutely.
Ellis made an attacking change with 20 minutes to go to try and unlock the Nigeria defence with different personnel, as Noxolo Cesane replaced Hildah Mogaia.
Banyana pressurized the Super Falcons in the closing stages but they could not crack the code, as they slipped to a narrow loss.
The second-leg is set for next Tuesday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
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