The South African Senior Women’s National Team, Banyana Banyana, began the defence of their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title on a positive note with a 2-0 win over Ghana at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco on Monday, 7 July, 2025.
Two goals from Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe in the first half were enough to see the reigning African Champions win their seventh consecutive match in this tournament.
Played in soaring heat with temperatures hovering around 35 degrees Celsius, the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana were tested by the physical Ghana, but coach Dr Desiree Ellis’ charges held their own, controlling the proceedings from early on.
The South Africans took the lead in the 28th minute after midfielder Noxolo Cesane, who was celebrating her 50th cap, was brought down in the Ghana box. It took a VAR check to confirm the penalty.
The ever-reliable Linda Motlhalo coolly slotted it past goalkeeper Cynthia Koldan Findib.
It was about six minutes later when Jermaine Seoposenwe made it 2-0 after she received a delightful pass from Lebohang Ramalepe as they went to the dressing room with a comfortable advantage.
In the second stanza South Africa put game management to good use as they were able to keep Ghana at bay, with Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini making some spectacular saves.
Dr Ellis made some changes, replacing Lebohang Ramalepe, Noxolo Cesane and Amogelang Motau with Hildah Magaia, Regina Mogolola and Ronnel Donnelly – the latter was making her debut for Banyana Banyana.
With Ghana launching attacks relentlessly, Seoposenwe could have wrapped the game up late in the match after a good run. She beat the goalkeeper, but the ball went narrowly wide.
The West Africans tried hard to get back into the game and hit the crossbar twice but in the end, South Africa triumphed in their eighth meeting with Ghana.
“They had us under pressure, and we couldn’t get out of our half, we changed things a bit and started getting onto the ball more, because that is our strength.”
Banyana Banyana Head Coach, Dr Desiree Ellis
“I haven’t seen the penalty though, but I know the foul was in the box – sometimes it goes for you sometimes it doesn’t. But I think the second goal came also at a great time. We could have finished it off with the third one and they almost got back in.”
“Overall, I think it was even Stevens because Andile Dlamini made quite a couple of saves as well. We always say if we can keep a clean sheet we win the game, and today our whole team played defensively really well. But it was extremely hot out there and I think the cooling break was welcome. Take nothing away from Ghana, they are still a quality side,” said Dr Ellis.
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Banyana Banyana return to action on Friday (11 July) as they face Tanzania in their second match of the tournament at the same venue.
Kickoff is at 21h00 South African time (20h00 local time in Morocco).
South Africa’s Group C Fixtures and Results at the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda
Mon, 7 July: Banyana Banyana 2-0 Ghana
Fri, 11 July: Banyana Banyana vs Tanzania
Mon, 14 July: Banyana Banyana vs Mali
Banyana Banyana Squad for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025
Goalkeepers
Kaylin Swart
Andile Dlamini
Dineo Magagula
Casey Gordon
Defenders
Lebohang Ramalepe
Fikile Magama
Gabriela Salgado
Tiisetso Makhubela
Bambanani Mbane
Karabo Dhlamini
Lonathemba Mhlongo
Bongeka Gamede
Midfielders
Sibulele Holweni
Linda Motlhalo
Nonhlanhla Mthandi
Refiloe Jane
Amogelang Motau
Regina Mogolola
Noxolo Cesane
Adrielle Mibe
Kgaelebane Mohlakoana
Forwards
Hildah Magaia
Jermaine Seoposenwe
Nthabiseng Majiya
Bonolo Mokoma
Ronnel Donnely
Original Copy: SAFA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: The South African Senior Women’s National Team, Banyana Banyana have begun the defence of their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title on a positive note with a 2-nil win over Ghana in Morocco on Monday evening #gsportAfrica. Photo: CAF
Photo 2 Caption: Linda Motlhalo (left) and Jermaine Seoposenwe’s (right) goals were the difference for Banyana Banyana in their opening match.
Photo 3 Caption: Karabo Dhlamini pictured in possession. South Africa face Tanzania in their second WAFCON tie on Friday evening.
