AWCON 2022: Super Falcons return to winning ways, beat Botswana 2-0

Bouncing back from Monday’s shock 1-2 loss to the Banyana Banyana of South Africa in the opening Group C match in the ongoing African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Morocco, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, Thursday, beat group leaders, Botswana by 2-0.

The match which was the second Group C game was played at the Prince Moulay Al-Hassan Stadium in Morocco, saw Ifeoma Onumonu and Christy Ucheibe scoring the goals to lift the Nigerian female national team and defending champions of the tournament to their first three points.

The Mares of Botswana had in the opening day of the tournament defeated Burundi team by 4-2 to top the group ahead of South Africa on goal difference.

Onumonu opened the scoring in the 21st minute after she was put through on goal. The Super Falcons

doubled their advantage in the 48th minute through Ucheibe who connected with an early second-half corner kick to put the ball beyond goalkeeper Maitumelo Boseja of Bostwana.

The Falcons will next face Burundi on Sunday, July 10, in a crucial must-win encounter to progress to the next round of the competition.

Failure to beat the Burundi team may see the Falcons crashing out of a tournament they had hoped to win for a record 10^thtime.

Meanwhile, in the other Group C match played in Morocco, Thursday, the Banyana Banyana of South Africa qualified for the quarter-finals of the competition after beating Burundi 3-1.

The South Africans had already defeated Nigeria by 2-1 on the opening day of Group C matches, and now have six points still with a game in hand.

After two consecutive losses, Burundi are now confirmed out of the competition, after the 2-4 Botswana loss on Monday.

In Thursday’s game South Africa took the lead in the 20th minute through Thembi Kgatlana but Burundi equalized 10 minutes later by Aniella Awimana.

In the 32nd minute South Africa took the lead again this time off the boot of Amogelang Motau.

South Africa had the opportunity to extend their lead one minute into first half added time, after they were awarded a penalty but Jermaine Seoposenwe was denied by the Burundi keeper.

In the 53rd minute South Africa were awarded another penalty after Kgatlana was fouled by the Burundi keeper and Linda Motlhalo this time converted.

All hopes for Burundi to salvage anything from the game was snuffed out as Annociate Nshimirimana

was sent off.

South Africa now face Botswana on Sunday while Burundi will tackle Nigeria, same day.