South Africa title defence begins with Ghana win
Reigning champion South Africa got its 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign off to a perfect start with a convincing 2-0 victory over Ghana in their Group C opener in Oujda.
Goals from Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe inside the opening 35 minutes gave Banyana Banyana the result they needed to assert their status as title contender in the expanded 12-team competition.
Desiree Ellis’s side looked composed from the outset and took the lead on 28 minutes after a VAR review confirmed a penalty for a foul on Noxolo Cesane.
Motlhalo stepped up and slotted home coolly to the bottom right corner, giving South Africa the advantage its early pressure deserved.
Chasing an equaliser, Ghana hit the post twice and forced South Africa 'keeper Andile Dlamini into some fine saves, as Banyana Banyana held on for an important win.
