@Banyana_Banyana
Banyana Banyana were crowned the first champions of the invitational women’s football tournament, the Aisha Buhari Cup, as they beat hosts Nigeria 4-2 in Tuesday’s final.
Substitute Mamello Makhabane stepped up to slot South Africa’s second penalty of the day in the second half to secure the win for over Africa’s top-ranked women’s side.
“This is a wonderful group of players. They deserve it all. This is for all the coaches back home, all the players back home, the clubs back home; they all contribute to women’s football,” said Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Elllis.
Both teams came into the encounter having won their opening games, with the hosts beating Mali 2-0 while South Africa had beaten Ghana 3-0.
The focus for Banyana now shifts to the defence of their Cosafa Cup crown in Nelson Mandela Bay.
They open their Group A campaign against Malawi next Tuesday, 28 September, followed by Angola three days later.
Banyana’s final pool match is against Mozambique on the 4th of October.
Only the top team in each pool and the best-placed runner-up qualify for the semifinals.
