Banyana Banyana failed to clinch the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations title after succumbing to a 4-3 defeat on penalties to defending champions Nigeria after the two sides played out to a 0-0 draw in the showpiece event in Accra.
These two teams met in the group stages, where Banyana recorded a historic 1-0 win over the West African giants.
Nigeria started the game on the front foot, but were denied by South African goalkeeper Kaylin Swartz, who reacted quickly to recover from spilling Nigeria’s first chance of note in the game.
Swartz was then called into action again in the 24th minute as she pulled off a spectacular save to ensure the scores remained level.
The Super Falcons were asking all the questions and yet again came close as Ordega Francisca curling effort flew just wide in the 37th minute.
Yet another title in the bag for @NGSuper_Falcons. Their 9th title overall:
1998 🥇🏆
2000🥇🏆
2002🥇🏆
2004🥇🏆
2006🥇🏆
2010🥇🏆
2014🥇🏆
2016🥇🏆
2018🥇🏆#TotalAWCON18 pic.twitter.com/1G1j5LkP8Z— Total Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (@CAF_AWCON) December 1, 2018
0-0 at the break. Nigeria with the lion’s share of the chances, but Banyana remained firmly in the game.
Desiree Ellis’ team came out in the second half looking to produce an improved performance, and for the first 20 minutes of the second half they managed to contain Nigeria’s dangerous attack, while also enjoying spells of possession of their own.
However, Nigeria were then handed a golden chance to open the scoring when they were awarded a penalty in the 74th minute. Asisat Oshoala was handed the responsibility, but fired her penalty wide.
Both teams then shut up shop as the clock ticked down, and as a result chances proved hard to come by with extra time looming.
STATS | Check out the full-time stats! Which team had the better overall performance? #TotalAWCON18 #NGARSA pic.twitter.com/hnn9s7SX0F
— Total Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (@CAF_AWCON) December 1, 2018
The game ended 0-0 at the end of regulation time and an extra 30 minutes was required. Both teams, however, were clearly sapped by the intensity of the game as no chances were made in extra time, sending the game to the lottery of penalties.
After Nigeria missed their opening penalty, South Africa would have been confident of success, as they converted their first spot kick.
The Super Falcons, however, went on to to convert the rest of their penalties, whereas South Africa missed two, handing Nigeria a 4-3 shoot-out victory.
Photo: Gallo Images
