It was billed as the ‘Final before the Final’, and some called it the ‘Clash of the Titans’ – after all it was the continent’s number one vs two, Nigeria against South Africa.
This was the first leg of the fourth and final round of the 2024 Paris Olympic qualifiers played on Friday (5 April 2024) at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
While there were no real fireworks in the game, the home team emerged victorious 1-0, meaning the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana have a mountain to climb in the second leg if they want to be at the global spectacle later this year (July – August).
A goal from the penalty spot by captain Rasheedat Ajibade was enough to see the hosts collect maximum points and have one foot in Paris – it was after South African defender Noko Matlou had brought down Chinwendu Ihezuo in the box just two minutes before the break, and Algerian referee Mehat Ghada did not hesitate to point to the spot.
Prior to that incident, the West Africans got out the blocks much quicker than their guests and seemed to be in control of the proceedings.
The Super Falcons had several chances in the first half to punish South Africa, but either goalkeeper Kaylin Swart denied them or her defence stood firm.
Desiree Ellis’ charges upped their tempo in the second stanza and caused some problems for Nigeria, but none could change the complexion of the game – with Thembi Kgatlana and Jermaine Seoposenwe among those with chances for an equaliser.
Pushing for a goal, Banyana Banyana brought on fresh legs in this half, Hilda Magaia, Karabo Dhlamini, Refiloe Jane and Linda Motlhalo making way for Noxolo Cesane, Bambanani Mbane, Nomvula Kgoale and Amogelang Motau respectively – but this did yield the intended results.
The duo of Jane and Mbane were wearing the national team colours for the first time since August last year when they got injured at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.
“Look, we said it was going to be a tight game but we are hopeful of overturning this result in the second leg. We are still in the game. A penalty decided the match but the game is not over yet. I thought in the second half we raised our game a lot and created good chances and could have equalized. Maybe we could also have gotten a penalty at the end when Jermaine (Seoposenwe) was fouled but I’m very proud of the team and we will take it back to Pretoria,” Ellis told SAFA Media.
With the West African carrying an all-important advantage, the two teams will have to do it all again on Tuesday, 9 April 2024 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
Kickoff is at 19h30.
The South Africans are expected back home on Sunday, 7 April.
- There are no away goal rules
- Nigeria will win and qualify for the Olympics if the result stays the same
- If South Africa gets a goal and it ends tied 1-1, or 2-2 or the same, then 30 minutes of extra time will be played
- If the score is still level after extra time, then kicks from the penalty spot will be used to determine the winner
THIS IS HOW THEY LINED UP IN ABUJA:
Banyana Banyana 11 vs Nigeria:
Kaylin Swart (GK), Karabo Dhlamini (84’ Bambanani Mbane), Bongeka Gamede, Noko Matlou, Tiisetso Makhubela, Hildah Magaia (70’ Noxolo Cesane), Linda Motlhalo (90+3’ Amogelang Motau), Refiloe Jane (C) (84’ Nomvula Kgoale), Lebogang Ramalepe, Thembi Kgatlana, Jermaine Seoposenwe
Substitutes:
Regirl Ngobeni (GK), Katlego Moletsane (GK), Fikile Magama, Sinoxolo Cesane, Gabriela Salgado, Bambanani Mbane, Nomvula Kgoale, Sibulele Holweni, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi
HEAD COACH: DESIREE ELLIS
Nigeria Super Falcons 11 vs Banyana Banyana:
Chiamaka Nnadozie (GK), Michelle Alozie, Chidinma Okeke, Christy Ucheibe, Osinachi Ohale, Jennifer Echegini (67’ Toni Payne), Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde, Rasheedat Ajibade (C), Uchenna Kanu (75’ Rinsola Babajide), Chinwendu Ihezuo (67’ Esther Okoronkwo)
Substitutes:
Tochukwu Oluehi, Linda Jiwuaku, Ifeoma Onumonu, Asisat Oshoala, Toni Payne, Nicole Payne, Shukurat Oladipo, Jumoke Alani, Rinsola Babajide, Gift Monday, Esther Okoronkwo
HEAD COACH: RANDY WALDRUM
By Matlhomola Morake
