Defending champions South Africa and Mali on Monday won their opening games in Group C at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, Afrosport reports.
Banyana Banyana began their title defence with a 2-0 win over Ghana’s Black Queens at the Honor Stadium in Oujda.
Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe scored inside the opening 35 minutes to give Desiree Ellis’ side a well-deserved win.
After a period of controlled possession, Motlhalo opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 28th minute following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review. The South Africa No. 10 coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, leaving goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan rooted to a spot after Noxolo Cesane was fouled in the danger area.
Seoposenwe, who is playing in her last tournament for South Africa, doubled their lead six minutes later. She calmly found the bottom corner after receiving a well-timed pass from Lebohang Ramalepe.
Banyana Banyana held on for the victory, with the result ensuring they have now won their last three group openers at the WAFCON.
Two first-half goals were enough for South Africa to seal their first 3 points! 👏#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/euSJYATOTJ
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 7, 2025
Elsewhere, Mali claimed a 1-0 win over Tanzania courtesy of a first-half strike from midfielder Saratou Traore.
Traore found the back of the net with a low strike from the edge of the box to hand the Malians all available points at Stade Municipal de Berkane.
Saratou Traore secures Mali’s first #TotalEnergiesWAFCON24 win over Tanzania! 🇲🇱 pic.twitter.com/KQ7c580nXa
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 7, 2025
Victory for both sides sees South Africa top Group C owing to a better goal difference, while Mali follows behind in second place. Tanzania occupy the third position, with Ghana currently bottom of the group.
