Banyana Banyana secured top spot in Group C at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations after thrashing Mali 4-0 on Monday night.
Women's Africa Cup of Nations
Result: South Africa 4-0 Mali
Date: 14 July 2025
Venue: Stade d'Honneur d'Oujda
The South Africans had already secured qualification to the knockout round without kicking a ball following results on Sunday evening.
Even with a quarter-final spot clinched, coach Desiree Ellis handed recalls to goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, Lebohang Ramalepe, Amogelang Motau and Hildah Magaia following the draw with Tanzania.
Ramalepe marked her return to the line-up in fine style after collecting a neat pass from Jermaine Seoposenwe before sending a first-time finish into the top corner.
The lead was doubled in the 32nd minute as captain Refiloe Jane found the back of the net with a lovely free-kick from the edge of the box.
Banyana carried that dominance into the second period and bagged a third goal on the hour mark as Magaia was slipped through on goal and showed the composure to fire a neat finish into the far corner.
Ellis' charges were not done there as they bagged a fourth goal in the 79th minute when Nonhlanhla Mthandi surged down the right flank before picking out Ronnel Donnelly, who found the back of the net with a first-time finish.
As a result of finishing top of the group, Banyana will face Senegal in the quarter-finals on Saturday evening.
Here's how they line-up:
South Africa: Dlamini, Dhlamini, Makhubela, Mbane, Magama, Jane, Motau, Motlhalo, Ramalepe, Magaia, Seoposenwe.
Subs: Swart, Donnelly, Mohlakoana, Holweni, Mogolala, Salgado, Mhlongo, Magagula, Cesane, Mthandi
