Banyana Banyana lost 1-0 to Nigeria in the first-leg of their 2024 Olympic qualifier on Friday evening.
The pathway to Paris started in earnest for the two, with Banyana banking on star crews like Thembi Kgatlana, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia, Linda Motlhalo and skipper Refiloe Jane.
Banyana didn’t have it easy earlier on and saw the home team enjoy the better of the overall stakes most notable in the offensive stakes.
This slow pattern of play from the African champions continued as the Nigerian side remained courageous in defence as well as attack.
Nigeria eventually made the dominance count four minutes to halftime when Noko Matlou conceded a foul in the box and gave away a penalty which Rasheedat Ajibade dispatched.
The South African team continued to have it difficult against the West Africans, minutes inside the second half with entries towards target not balanced at all.
It became a pretty difficult on all fronts for Desiree Ellis’ side, who very nearly conceded a second later on at the other end but were bailed out by a certain Kaylin Swart.
Banyana’s first meaningful chance came over ten minutes inside halftime through a first-time shot by Seoposenwe, but Chiamaka Nnadozie drew a save.
The travelling side continued to push for the equaliser in the final minutes, and even introduced a double change in Nomvula Kgoale and Bambanani Mbane.
Seoposenwe once again threatened in added time with a rasping shot near the area, but it flew over and left the host claimed the first-leg victory with the return-leg on Tuesday.
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