Substitute Thembi Kgatlana netted a screamer five minutes from time to give Banyana Banyana a 1-0 victory against Nigeria in their Africa Women’s Cup of Nations opener.
Desiree Ellis’ side gave a great all-round account of themselves and came close to breaking the deadlock in the 27th-minute, but Refiloe Jane’s effort was too tame.
Nigeria shopuld have taken the lead six minutes later, but Desire Oparanozie missed a sitter after some individual brilliance by Asisat Oshoala
After coming on as a second-half substitute Kgatlana etched her name into the headines when she broke deadlock in the 85th minute with a well-struck half-volley to clicnh all three points.
FT: Nigeria 0-1 @Banyana_Banyana
Well done girls for opening the CAF Women AFCON with a great win pic.twitter.com/jQ5m6jrNXc— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 18, 2018
“This victory means more to the country than you can imagine,” @Banyana_Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis after beating Nigeria 1-0 at the Cape Coast Stadium in Ghana #limitless #afcon2018 @SAFA_net @SasolLeague @SasolSA pic.twitter.com/AlRXQMNjd2
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) November 18, 2018
“Fitness also plays a role in the tournament,” @Banyana_Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis @SAFA_net @SasolLeague @SasolSA pic.twitter.com/Uf5MApGMBp
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) November 18, 2018
“The victory was because of a collective effort,” @Banyana_Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis @SAFA_net @SasolLeague @SasolSA #limitless #afcon2018 pic.twitter.com/8GljtXIZoK
— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) November 18, 2018
