Banyana Banyana kick-start Women’s AFCON with victory over tournament favourites Nigeria |

Banyana Banyanaclaimed a crucial 2-1 victory in their opening Women’s Africa Cup of Nations encounter against tournament favourites Nigeriaon Monday.

After a goalless first half, South Africa quickly took a comfortable two-goal lead on the hour mark when Jermaine Seoposenwe opened the scoring. Less than three minutes later, Hildah Tholakele Magaia put the ball beyond Nigeria’s goalkeeper to double the lead as Desiree Ellis’ charges looked charged after the half-time break.

South Africa’s game management got the better of Super Falcons for the remainder of the fixture, but poor defending resulted in Nigeria pulling a goal back.

Rasheedat Ajibade netted from close range, but the referee sounded the full-time whistle two minutes later to ensure a Banyana win at the Moulay Hassan FUS.

Banyana are now top of Group C, with matches against Burundi (Thursday, 19:00) and Botswana (Sunday, 22:00) on the cards later this week.