South Africa overpower Black Queens in WAFCON 2025 opener

Reigning champions South Africa began their 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in dominant fashion, defeating Ghana 2-0 in their Group C opener on Monday in Oujda, Morocco.

Goals from Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe within the first 35 minutes sealed a statement win for Banyana Banyana, as they reinforced their status as serious contenders in the expanded 12-team tournament.

After a lively start, South Africa took the lead in the 28th minute following a VAR-reviewed penalty decision for a foul on Noxolo Cesane. Motlhalo stepped up and converted coolly into the bottom right corner. Just minutes later, full-back Lebohang Ramalepe surged forward and slipped a precise pass into Seoposenwe, who slotted home South Africa’s second with a composed finish into the far corner.

Ghana, returning to WAFCON after a seven-year absence, found it difficult to match South Africa’s fluidity and structure. Although the Black Queens improved after the break, they failed to capitalise on their chances, with Evelyn Badu and Alice Kusi both rattling the crossbar.

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South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini stood firm throughout, pulling off crucial saves to deny Ghana any route back into the contest. Head coach Desiree Ellis managed her squad effectively, introducing substitutes Hildah Magaia and Ronnel Donnelly late on to maintain composure and see out the victory.

This result marks South Africa’s first-ever win over Ghana in a WAFCON match and the first time they have scored more than one goal against the Black Queens at the tournament. According to journalist Gary Al-Smith, the result is historically significant—highlighting how South Africa, once a manageable opponent for Ghana, have now firmly asserted dominance.

It also marks only Ghana’s second-ever defeat in a WAFCON opening match, the first dating back to 2014.

Banyana Banyana’s win continues their strong run in tournament openers, following past victories over Nigeria in 2018 and 2022. Ghana, on the other hand, must now regroup quickly ahead of crucial fixtures against Mali and Tanzania in Group C.