Nigeria’s Super Falcons began their title defence on a faltering note on Monday at the 12th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat, Morocco, losing 1-2  to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana.

South Africa defeated Nigeria in the opening game of Group C of the competition.

The Super Falcons came into the game against South Africa as favourites, having won the competition more than any other nation on the continent.

Banyana Banyana, however, scored twice in two minutes thanks to Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hilda Magaia goals in the 60th and 62nd minutes to destabilise their opponents, who were caught off-guard by the quick-firing South Africans.

The Super Falcons eventually found a goal in the first minute of added time, thanks to an incredible finish by Rasheedat Ajibade, but it was too late as South Africa reorganised themselves and bagged the three points.

Botswana now top Group C with three points and a superior goal difference of +3 after thrashing Burundi 4-1 in their opening game.

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana are second also with three points and a goal difference of +1 ahead of their next game against bottom-placed side Burundi on Thursday.

While Nigeria, currently in third position, take on Botswana on the same day at 8 p.m

The Star