A brilliant strike by substitute Chrestina Thembi Kgatlana five minutes from time handed South Africa a dream start in the tournament as they beat holders Nigeria 1-0 in their Group B opener on Sunday in Cape Coast.

Kgatlana struck late into the game to give the South Africans a shocking win over their perennial rivals.

Banyana Banyana gave a good account of themselves right from the start of the game making early incursions in the game. They came close for the opener in the 27th minute but Refiloe Jane's effort was weak to beat goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi.

Nigeria's biggest opportunity came in the 33rd minute when Desire Oparanozie missed a sitter following a brilliant play by Asisat Oshoala. Oparanozie surprisingly blasted wide with only the South African goalie to beat after being put through by Oshoala.

South Africa came very close again seven minutes into the second half as Jermaine Seoposenwe's attempt missed the goal by a whisker. Chrestina Kgatlana finally broke the game's duck in the 85th minute to decide the crunchy encounter.

Total Woman of the Match: Chrestina Kgatlana (South Africa)