WAFCON 2024: South Africa beats Ghana 2-0; Mali pips Tanzania in Women’s African Cup of Nations

South Africa, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champion, began its title defence with a 2-0 win over Ghana at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, on Monday.

The Banyana Banyana opened the scoring from the spot in the 28th minute off Linda Motlhalo after Noxolo Cesane — playing her 50th match for South Africa — had been fouled in the box by Grace Asantewaa.

South Africa did not settle for the lead, doubling it within six minutes.

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Lebohang Ramalepe set up Jermaine Seoposenwe from the right, who then beat Cynthia Konlan at her near post. The Monterrey striker had a chance to double her lead in the 63rd minute, when she was played in behind.

But her shot went wide.

Meanwhile, Ghana looked out of shape in the first half, but showed much more intent in the second half. Alice Kusi’s effort rattled the woodwork in the 60th minute, before Evelyn Badu’s header hit the frame of the goal 10 minutes from the end of regulation time.

In the other Group C match, Mali beat Tanzania 1-0 in Berkane, with Saratou Traoré scoring the winner in the first minute of first-half stoppage time.

Mali plays Ghana next in Berkane while South Africa will take on Tanzania in the second matchday of the group four days later.