Super Falcons beat South Africa, inch closer to Paris 2024

Super Falcons hopes of participating in the Olympics Games after 16 years absence got a major boost yesterday after they edged South Africa 1-0 in the first leg of the final qualifiers at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. 

At the blast of the whistle, the nine-time African champions went in search of an early goal but Kanu Uchenna’s cross into the box went out of play. 

The best chance of the game fell again to Kanu in the 7th minute after South Africa goalkeeper, Swart Kaylin had miscued her goal kick but the lanky striker again failed to take the chance. 

The deadlock was finally broken when the Super Falcons were awarded a penalty kick in the 43rd minute which captain Rasheedat Ajibade expertly converted as the first half ended 1-0. 

In the second half, the visitors made few incursions but the defence line marshalled by Ohale Osinachi sniffed out any attempts while at the other end, the hosts continued to miss goal scoring chances. 

In the closing stages, Chiamaka Nnadozie made crucial saves to ensure the slim 1-0 victory for the Super Falons. 

In her post match comments, the coach of Bayana Bayana, Desiree Ellis said the game wasn’t over as they would seek to pick the ticket in Pretoria.

“We created a lot of chances. The game is not over. We should have scored also. It’s only a penalty and we will meet the Super Eagles in Pretoria,” she assured. 

On his part, Super Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum hailed the team’s performance but rued the missed chances.

“We should have scored more goals. We played well and we were defensively strong. We controlled the game as we wanted but we have to get the result at this point,” he said. 

The return leg will take place at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday evening as the winner over two legs qualifies for the 2024 Paris Olympics.