South Africa will go into their opening group match of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations against Nigeria with optimism, having won two of the last three meetings, Banyana Banyana will fancy their chances.
The South African WNT have only beaten Nigeria twice in all their meetings in the WAFCON, including in the group stage of the last edition.
Banyana Banyana also defeated the Falcons on home soil in Lagos last year to win an invitational tournament.
Those results show improvement in Desiree Ellis’ team and a measurable growth in the Side’s influence even on the continent.
Although on paper Nigeria are still favorites to dish the L in Monday’s encounter in Stade Moulay Hassan, the encounter promises to be a real cracker.
Looking back at the last meeting between the sides, Nigeria’s WNT head Coach Randy Waldrum describe the defeat as unlucky.
It was the American’s first game against South Africa, but he credited the defeat to a lack of depth in the squad that time.
“We learned from the defeat, you’re not going to win every game,” Waldrum admitted. “I think we’d be much more prepared for them this time and we’re looking forward to it.”
Waldrum acknowledged South Africa’s rising profile in Women’s football, but declared Nigeria will be the team to beat.
“They’re a quality team and we respect that but we still feel like we’re the best team in Africa,” the 65 year-old told NFF TV.
