South Africa dominated their opening WAFCON Group C match, beating Ghana 2-0 in Oujda on Monday, July 7th.
Goals by Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe in the first 35 minutes gave the defending champions a strong start as they aim to win the 12-team tournament for a second consecutive year.
From the start, Desiree Ellis’ team appeared calm and determined. A VAR review confirmed a penalty for a foul on Noxolo Cesane, breaking the deadlock in the 28th minute. With confidence, Motlhalo expertly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, slotting the ball into the bottom-right corner.
A short time later, Banyana Banyana scored again, increasing their lead. From his full-back position, Lebohang Ramalepe advanced, expertly playing a weighted pass to Seoposenwe for a clinical finish into the far post.
Back in the competition after a missed tournament, Ghana found South Africa’s speed and strategy difficult to handle in the first half.
The Black Queens’ performance improved after halftime, resulting in several promising goal-scoring opportunities. Despite their efforts, poor finishing and bad luck, including two shots hitting the crossbar from Evelyn Badu and Alice Kusi, left them frustrated.
Andile Dlamini, South Africa’s goalkeeper, played a crucial role in keeping a clean sheet, making key saves when Ghana attacked strongly in the second half.
To maintain control and fend off Ghana’s late charge, Banyana Banyana effectively managed the game’s closing moments by substituting in Hildah Magaia and Ronnel Donnelly.
South Africa’s impressive WAFCON opening record continues, now with three consecutive wins, notably against Nigeria in 2018 and 2022.