Staff Reporter.
Banyana Banyana secured a 4-2 victory over Nigeria to lift the Aisha Buhari Cup on Tuesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Banyana came into the clash on the back of a 3-0 win over Ghana, while Nigeria defeated tournament hosts Mali 2-0 in their opening encounter.
South Africa scored three goals in the first half, but they almost let it slip after allowing the Super Falcons to get back into the game in the second stanza.
Nigeria’s problems became bigger in the 19th minute as Banyana were awarded a penalty after Onome Ebi handled the ball inside the box.
Midfielder Linda Motlhalo stepped up to take the set-piece, and calmly sent Nigeria shot-stopper Cynthia Nnadozie the wrong way to make it 2-0 for the South Africans.
Nigeria thought they had pulled one goal back in the 20th minute, but Oporanozie was judged to be offside.
Banyana continued their dominance over the home side, as they scored their third goal of match through Gabriela Salgado just before half-time.
The second half saw the hosts start stronger, as they managed to pull one goal back through substitute Vivian Ikechukwu.
Ikechukwu wasn’t then scored the second goal for the Nigerians in the 52nd minute to make it 3-2.
The Nigerians grew stronger in the game as they almost levelled the scores with a long range shot by Glory Ogbonna, but Kaylin Swart made a great save to keep Banyana in the lead.
Substitute Mamello Makhabane was called on to take the responsibility, and she didn’t disappoint as she made it 4-2 for Banyana.
Banyana ended up on the winning side, finishing the game in charge of possession to lift the Aisha Buhari Cup.