By Mark Etheridge

Despite creating chances galore Banyana Banyana came up short against Nigeria at the semi-final stage of the CAF African Women’s Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon on Tuesday night.

Following an emphatic 5-0 win against Egypt to end their group stage, it was the same old story of Banyana simply not being able to find the net when it counted as Nigeria scored the lone goal of the game in the 53rd minute.

Skipper Janine van Wyk’s side conceded a free kick just a few metres outside the right-hand edge of the penalty box. Despite the well-placed wall, France-based Desire Oparanozie’s shot cannoned off the wall and went behind diving keeper Andile Dlamini who could only look back despairingly.

The first half was a see-saw affair with both sides guilty of poor finishing and it was all square at the break with the Super Falcons enjoying the lion’s share of support from the Limbe crowd.

Interim coach Desiree Ellis then introduced the pacy Thembi Kgatlana into the fray and although her speed got her and the team into some good positions, it was again the final efforts that were lacking and proved to be their downfall.

Two late efforts were cleared off the Nigerian line while the latter nearly doubled their score on the counter-attack.

So, Banyana left the pitch wondering what could have been and now have to settle for the third/fourth place playoff on Friday, back in the city of Yaounde.

Meanwhile, Nigeria go on to meet Cameroon in the final after the host nation had beaten Ghana 1-0 in the first semi-final.

Instead of allowing herself to feel down after defeat, captain Van Wyk was surprisingly upbeat about Banyana’s performance. ‘I think it was actually an outstanding performance from us today,’ she told the SASCOC website.

‘Everyone gave 100% effort. Unfortunately we conceded that free kick which they scored from but we should also have scored a couple … now we need to take this performance through to the match against Ghana and get a bronze medal because we deserve something.’

How South Africa lined up on Tuesday: Andile Dlamini; Lebogang Mabatle; Janine van Wyk (c); Bambanani Mbane; Nothando Vilakazi; Mamello Makhabane; Refiloe Jane; Leandra Smeda; Linda Motlhalo; Silindlie Ngubane; Andisiwe Mcgoyi.
Subs: Yolula Tsawe (gk); Astria Boks; Noko Matlou; Nompumelelo Nyandeni; Amogelang Motau; Thembi Kgatlana; Shiwe Nogwanya.