Reigning Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champions South Africa opened their title‑defence campaign in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 2‑0 victory over Black Queens of Ghana in the Group C fixture in Oujda on Monday, July 7, 2025.
Desiree Ellis’s Banyana Banyana looked composed from the first whistle.
Their dominance paid off in the 28th minute, when a VAR review awarded a penalty for a foul on Noxolo Cesane.
Midfielder Linda Motlhalo stepped up confidently and curled her spot‑kick into the bottom right corner, emphatically putting the reigning champions ahead.
Just seven minutes later, South Africa doubled their advantage. Full‑back Lebohang Ramalepe burst forward down the right flank and delivered a precise through‑ball to Jermaine Seoposenwe. The striker made no mistake, slotting home low into the far corner to send the bulk of the 5,000‑strong crowd into raptures.
Ghana’s return stymied by staunch defence
The Black Queens, making their return to WAFCON after missing the 2022 edition, struggled to keep pace with South Africa’s organisation and intensity.
Although Evelyn Badu and Alice Kusi both tested the crossbar in the second half, Ghana lacked the cutting edge to convert promising moves into goals.
South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini was rarely troubled but came up with two vital saves to thwart Ghanaian attackers at close range, preserving the clean sheet and maintaining her side’s psychological upper hand.
Tactical control sees victory home
As Ghana pressed for a way back into the game, Ellis introduced Hildah Magaia and Ronnel Donnelly to shore up midfield and control possession.
The substitutions helped South Africa absorb late pressure, denying the Black Queens any sustained spell of momentum.
Banyana Banyana’s opener record intact
The 2‑0 win extends South Africa’s perfect record in WAFCON openers, having now claimed three successive victories in their first group‑stage match (including wins over Nigeria in 2018 and 2022).
Their next match, against Mali on Friday, will present another stern test in the expanded 12‑team tournament.
Ghana must regroup quickly
Ghana’s hopes of progressing from a tricky Group C—which also features Mali and Tanzania—now hinge on a swift response.
The Black Queens must sharpen their finishing and tighten their defence if they are to keep pace with top contenders in the coming fixtures.
