Defending champions Banyana Banyana started their Women's Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-0 win over Ghana on Monday evening.
Women's Africa Cup of Nations
Result: South Africa 2-0 Ghana
Date: 07 July 2025
Venue: Stade d'Honneur d'Oujda
Coach Desiree Ellis decided to go with Andile Dlamini over Kaylin Swartz between the sticks, while Jermaine Seoposenwe started in her last Cup of Nations campaign.
It was also a special occasion for Noxolo Cesane, who became the latest player to register 50 appearances for the national side.
The South Africans enjoyed a lot of the possession in the early stages of the encounter, but they struggled to carve out any serious openings at the Ghanian goal.
Banyana were afforded the chance to go ahead on 27 minutes after being awarded a penalty following Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, which allowed Linda Motlhalo to step up and calmly slot into the bottom corner for the game's opening goal.
The lead was doubled six minutes later as Lebogang Ramalepe did well to pick out the run of Seoposenwe, who showed the composure to slot home at the near post with a neat finish.
The Ghanaians were a bit more dominant on the ball in the second period but they had to contend with being caught out on the break, as Seoposenwe should have extended the lead on 63 minutes but she dragged her shot wide in a one-on-one situation.
Ghana could have pulled a goal back with ten minutes left on the clock when Comfort Yeboah sent an inviting cross into the box for Evelyn Badu, who could only steer her header onto the crossbar from point-blank range.
That proved to be the final chance of the half as Banyana were able to see out the closing stages to secure the win.
Ellis' charges will be back in action on Friday evening against Tanzania.
Here's how they lined up:
South Africa: Dlamini, Ramalepe, Makhubela, Mbane, Dhlamini, Jane, Magama, Motau, Motlhalo, Seoposenwe.
Subs: Magaia, Donneley, Mthandi, Mohlakoana, Holweni, Mogolola, Salgado, Mhlongo, Swart, Magagula.
