Banyana Banyana played in an away match that left many South African football followers on the edge of their seats, as Nigeria bounced back from a 3-0 deficit to reduce the scoreline to 3-2, sending shivers down the spine of all the national team fans who were watching the game back home. When they say ‘nothing beats experience’, this was indeed demonstrated last night when Banyana Banyana used the Aisha Buhari Cup to stretch muscles and get ready for the upcoming COSAFA Cup, scheduled for Gqeberha in October. 

Playing away from home with the odds against them, Banyana Banyana did well to deserve the praise when they courageously thrashed Nigeria's Women's National Football (Super Falcons) 4 - 2 at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium in Lagos, Nigeria - lifting the inaugural Invitational Aisha Buhari Cup. 

Upon hearing the news of Banyana's heroic win, Minister Mthethwa said, “Banyana Banyana dominance is indeed something that deserves all our praise. The ladies national team, under the guidance of Coach Desiree Ellis, have done us proud. This demonstrates that it doesn’t matter where the game is played. If you are well prepared, nothing will deter you from achieving your objective. We are looking forward to their upcoming COSAFA challenge and our wish is for the nation to do the right thing and go and vaccinate in large numbers so that, at least, we can have a significant portion of fans behind Banyana Banyana. Our national team deserves all the support they can get.” 

Banyana Banyana opened their Aisha Buhari Cup win by first hammering Ghana 3 – 0, giving them an opportunity to stabilise. Then, Nigeria played against Mali, winning the game 2 – 0. This, leading to Banyana Banyana playing in the final away to the Super Falcon’s.     

Banyana Banyana won the final 4 – 2 with Mamello Makhabane, JVW FC Midfielder, drilling the final nail in the Super Falcons' coffin by scoring the last goal of the match, granting Banyana Banyaya an opportunity to bring the trophy to the south of the continent.