Banyana Kick-Start WAFCON With Victory

Banyana Banyana got off to a flying start in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2025 tournament, defeating Ghana 2-0 in their opening match at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, on Monday evening.

The South African women’s national team dominated the game from the outset, creating numerous scoring opportunities in the first 20 minutes, although they struggled to convert them.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 28th minute when Linda Motlhalo scored a well-taken penalty kick after the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened, following a foul on Noxolo Cesane by Ghana’s Grace Asantewaa that the referee initially missed.

Just seven minutes later, Lebohang Ramalepe delivered a precise pass to Jermaine Seoposenwe, who doubled Banyana’s lead with a clinical finish, making it 2-0.

Ghana threatened to get back into the game in the 41st minute when Grace Asantewaa unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box. Still, Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini pulled off an impressive save to deny the visitors.

The first half ended with Banyana Banyana in control, leading 2-0.

In the second half, Banyana Banyana’s performance dipped slightly, with the team committing several errors in the first 10 minutes. Fortunately for them, Ghana was unable to capitalize on these mistakes.

Despite Ghana’s best efforts, including shots hitting the crossbar through Alice Kusi and Evelyn Badu, Banyana’s goalkeeper Dlamini was outstanding, making crucial saves to preserve her team’s lead.

The victory means Banyana Banyana are currently top of Group C with three points. However, their position could change following Mali’s match against Tanzania later on Monday.

Banyana Banyana’s next challenge will be against Tanzania at the Honneur Stadium on Friday.

As the defending champions, having won the tournament in 2022 in Morocco, Banyana Banyana will be looking to improve and make a strong impression in the competition.

Ghana, which failed to qualify for the previous edition, will be eager to bounce back and make an impact in the tournament as they will be facing Mali in the next game.