Banyana Banyana 2025 in Focus: Results, Highlights & What’s Next

South Africa’s senior women’s team wrapped up an impressive 2025 campaign with a 2-0 victory over Morocco in Agadir on Tuesday night (2 December).

Goals from Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies duo Nonhlanhla Mthandi and Noxolo Cesane sealed the win against the hosts of next year’s CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

\The result marked Banyana Banyana’s 11th win in 15 matches this year, a run that included just two defeats and two draws. Over the season, Desiree Ellis’ side scored 26 goals and conceded only eight, facing 11 different nations along the way.

Debut for Jessica Wade

The clash also saw 22-year-old JVW midfielder Jessica Wade make her senior debut, replacing captain Refiloe Jane in the 30th minute after an injury concern. Wade, a former SA U17 captain and U20 international, recently signed a two-year deal to play professionally in Finland from 2026.

Speaking to centrecircle.online this is what the players and coaches had to say about the year that was.

Ellis: “A Big Confidence Booster”

Head coach Desiree Ellis praised her team’s performance and resilience:

“Coming to Morocco, the host nation, a few months before WAFCON, we knew it would be a big game – and it was. I have to take my hat off to the players; they really stood up today. Defensively, we were solid and didn’t give them anything. Ending the year on a good note is a huge confidence boost. We’ve qualified for WAFCON, and this win against the hosts gives us momentum going into the off-season.”

Ellis also highlighted the challenge ahead:

“With WAFCON expanding to 16 teams, it’s going to be tough – a World Cup qualifying competition. We’ve got to be even better than we were today.”

Mbane: “Clean Sheet Was Key”

Linda Motlhalo and Bambanani Mbane Banyana Banyana — Image – CAF Media

Defender Bambanani Mbane echoed those sentiments:

“Before the match, we said the clean sheet was important – and we achieved that. It wasn’t easy, but I’m happy with how the new players adapted. Closing the year with a win gives us confidence, but we know we can’t relax. The festive season won’t be the same because we know what our goal is.”

2025 in Numbers

Matches Played: 15
Wins: 11 | Draws: 2 | Losses: 2
Goals Scored: 26 | Goals Conceded: 8
Opponents Faced: Lesotho, Malawi, Botswana, Zambia, Ghana, Tanzania, Mali, Senegal, Nigeria, DR Congo, Morocco