Champions of Africa in the female football category, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, on Tuesday lost the maiden edition of the Aisha Buhari tournament to the Bayana Bayana of South Africa.
In the final game played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena at the Onika stadium, Randy Wladrum's side conceded three goals to their South African counterparts before halftime but ended up losing 4-2 to the South African ladies.
Randy Waldrum made two changes to the team that started Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Mali bringing in Regina Otu Ibiang and Uchenna Kanu Grace for Ngozi Okobi Ekeoghene and Francisca Ordega respectively.
Same for the South African manager who effected two changes to the South African team that thrashed Ghana, as Makhubele Tiisetso and Melinda Kgatlana replaced Makhabane Mamello and Holweni Sibulele respectively.
The South Africans first goal came via Magaia Hildah's cross which was headed into the back of the net by Michelle Alozie as early as five minutes into the tie.
Things got worst for the Super Falcons when the Bayana Bayana scored their second goal from the spot after Onomee Ebi's handball in the box.
The FC Minsk defender was issued a yellow card and Motlhalo Linda converted the resulting penalty to double Banyana Banyana’s lead in the 18th minute.
Salgado Gabriela scored off a goalmouth scramble a minute before the break to give South Africa a 3-0 lead going into the break.
Vivian Ikechukwu alongside Monday Gift, Opeyemi Sunday and Onyebuchi Ihuoma were introduced in the second half and the Super Falcons looked changed.
The hosts scored two goals before the hour mark precisely the 46th and 53rd minutes by Vivian Ikechukwu.
With the game looking like ending in a draw as Super Falcons pushed forward for the equaliser, Makhabane Mamello restored South Africa’s two-goal lead in the 86th minute from the penalty spot after the Falcons left their defense exposed.
The Super Falcons will surely rue their display today given that they should have convincingly death with had the likes of Oshoala come to the party.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago
