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Falcons just too sharp for Banyana

Mcelwa Nchabeleng

Mcelwa Nchabeleng

August Makalakalane, the Banyana Banyana coach, yesterday stopped short of admitting that they will never beat Nigeria's Super Falcons in his lifetime.

"They are superior, intelligent, speedy and classical finishers," Makalakalane said from Nigeria yesterday.

The powerful Nigerians produced a ruthlessly efficient performance when they sent Banyana Banyana spinning to yet another embarrassing defeat on Saturday.

They thrashed the hapless South Africans 5-0 in the opening match of the Beijing 2008 Olympic qualifier in Abuja, Nigeria.

The victory saw Nigeria scoring nine unreciprocated goals against Banyana Banyana after the Super Falcons beat them 4-0 in the final of the All Africa Games (AAG) in Algeria last weekend.

"We started well when we contained them in midfield but we cracked at the back as the match progressed and conceded two silly goals," Makalakalane said.

"We missed the likes of Janine van Wyk at the back because of an injury. I should stress, though, that rain on the day also made things more difficult for us. But I take courage in that our next three matches of the qualifiers are at home and we have to regroup."

Van Wyk is out for about six weeks after suffering a knee injury in their 2-2 draw against Nigeria in their opening AAG's clash.

Forwards Belinda Nkosi and Anthonia Carelse have also been sidelined by injuries.

Banyana Banyana host Ethiopia and Ghana on August 11 and 24 and Nigeria visit them in December.

The South Africans are tipped to beat Ethiopia and Ghana after their success over the two countries in the AAG.

Makalakalane sounded somewhat confident of doing well against Nigeria in a return leg in the end of the year.

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