WAFCON 2022: Super Falcons start on losing note against Bayana Bayana

Nigeria's Super Falcons lost 2-1 to Banyana Banyana in their opening 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations encounter on Monday evening.

The opening exchanges proved to be an evenly contested affair, although both sides struggled to carve out chances in the opening 20 minutes.

Bambanani Mbane came to Banyana's rescue in the 24th minute, as the defender did well to thwart Asisat Oshoala in the box after being played through on goal.

Matches between the two countries in the past have not been high-scoring affairs, with their last encounter being decided on penalties in the 2018 final which Nigeria won.

A goalless encounter looked to be on the cards in Rabat, as both nations failed to register any serious shots on target in the entire first half.

The South Africans took over in the second half as Seoposenwe opened the scoring on the hour mark with a composed close-range finish after some good work by Cesane.

It got better for Desire Ellis' charges two minutes later when Hildah Magia latched onto a fine pass by Thembi Kgatlana before slotting beyond the on-rushing Tochukwu Oluehi.

The Super Falcons did pull one back in second-half stoppage time thanks to Rasheedat Ajibade's composed finish, but South Africa did manage to hold on for the win.

Now winless in four games against South Africa, the Super Falcons will hope they can repeat what they did in Ghana four years ago.

After Monday’s disappointing outing against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, the Super Falcons have other games against Botswana on Thursday and Burundi on Sunday