South Africa got their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence off to a flying start with a solid 2-0 win over Ghana in their Group C opener on Monday in Oujda, Morocco.
Despite a quiet start in the intense Moroccan heat, Banyana Banyana found their rhythm midway through the first half. Linda Motlhalo opened the scoring in the 28th minute from the penalty spot after a VAR review confirmed a foul on Noxolo Cesane by Ghana’s Grace Asantewaa.
Just six minutes later, South Africa doubled their lead. A precise pass from Lebogang Ramalepe found Jermaine Seoposenwe, who finished coolly at the near post to beat Ghanaian goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan.
Ghana came close to mounting a comeback in the second half but were twice denied by the woodwork. Alice Kusi rattled the post with a long-range strike, and Evelyn Badu’s header also struck the frame of the goal. Substitute Princess Marfo tested South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini late on, but the defending champions held firm.
Despite off-field distractions, including pay disputes and the absence of star forward Thembi Kgatlana due to personal reasons, South Africa showed cohesion and composure under pressure. Coach Desiree Ellis will be encouraged by her side’s sharpness and ability to manage the game against a dangerous Ghanaian outfit.
Seoposenwe, who has announced she will retire from international football after this tournament, could have added more goals but missed two good chances in the second half—shooting straight at the keeper on one occasion and failing to convert a one-on-one soon after.
The result places South Africa at the top of Group C on goal difference, ahead of Mali, who edged Tanzania 1–0 in the day’s later fixture in Berkane. Next up, South Africa face Tanzania on Friday, while Ghana will look to bounce back when they take on Mali in a must-win match.
