South Africa and Nigeria began their 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaigns off to the worst possible start after both teams were soundly beaten in their opening games.
Banyana Banyana opened the scoring in their Group B encounter against Spain through reigning African Footballer of The Year, Thembi Kgatlana’s first-half strike. But two second-half penalties by Jennifer Hermoso and a red card to South Africa’s Nothando Vilakazi helped the Spanish team rally to a 3-1 win.
Elsewhere, African champions, Nigeria were thrashed 3-0 by Norway. First half goals by Guro Ruiten, Lisa-Marie Utland and an Osinachi Ohale own goal gave the Norwegians a comprehensive victory.
Meanwhile, Africa’s last representative, Cameroon will be hoping to reverse the trend when they open up their campaign against Canada on Monday 10 June.