Banyana Banyana have successfully launched their Women's African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence, securing a solid 2-0 victory over Ghana in their Group C opener at the Honneur Stadium in Oudja.
Goals from the impressive duo of Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe sealed the crucial three points for the reigning champions.
The match's initial 10 minutes proved to be a cagey and somewhat scrappy affair, with neither side managing to register a shot or pose a significant threat.
However, the game truly sprang to life in the 13th minute when Banyana Banyana orchestrated a promising attacking move. Karabo Dhlamini found Lebohang Ramalepe inside the box, though the latter was unable to bring the ball under control.
South Africa's breakthrough arrived just two minutes before the half-hour mark. Noxolo Cesane, celebrating her 50th cap in the green and gold, was fouled inside the penalty area, earning Banyana a spot-kick. Linda Motlhalo calmly stepped up and slotted home the opener.
The momentum continued, and just six minutes later, Lebohang Ramalepe turned provider, setting up Jermaine Seoposenwe for South Africa's second goal. Seoposenwe almost extended the lead further just before the break but narrowly missed the target.
Meanwhile, Ghana's Black Queens had their moments before Banyana's first goal, with Alice Kusi forcing a save from Andile Dlamini with a long-range effort. Doris Boaduwaa also missed from inside the box, and Grace Asantewaa tested Dlamini with another save.
SCORE WAS 2-0 TO BANYANA AT HALF-TIME
The second half saw both teams return unchanged. Four minutes after the restart, Seoposenwe had another clear opportunity for Banyana's third but was thwarted by the Ghanaian goalkeeper.
At the hour mark, Kusi once again tried her luck from distance, only to be denied by the crossbar. Boaduwaa pounced on the rebound, but Dlamini was there again to make the save.
Three minutes later, Seoposenwe narrowly missed her second goal after receiving a pass from Motlhalo. Ghana's frustrations continued as Evelyn Badu also struck the woodwork, as the Black Queens, returning to the tournament for the first time in seven years, ultimately succumbed to the South African champions. Banyana Banyana's next challenge in Group C will be against Tanzania on Friday evening, at the same venue.
