Banyana Banyana WAFCON 2024 campaign started on a high as the South African senior women’s national team beat Ghana 2-0 at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco.
Goals from Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe in the first half secured the reigning African champions their seventh consecutive win in the tournament.
Played in searing 35 degree Celsius heat, Banyana Banyana were challenged by Ghana’s physical presence, but coach Desiree Ellis’s team kept composure and control from the start.
The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when midfielder Noxolo Cesane, celebrating her 50th cap, was brought down in the Ghana box.
A VAR review confirmed the penalty, which Motlhalo calmly converted.
Just six minutes later, Seoposenwe doubled the lead after latching onto a precise pass from Lebohang Ramalepe, sending South Africa into the half-time break comfortably ahead.
Managed the game well
In the second half, South Africa managed the game well, with goalkeeper Andile Dlamini producing several brilliant saves to deny the West Africans.
Ellis introduced Hildah Magaia, Regina Mogolola, and debutant Ronnel Donnelly to help maintain control and energy.
Seoposenwe nearly added a third late on after a solo run past the ‘keeper, but her shot narrowly missed the target.
Ghana pressed forward and struck the crossbar twice, but couldn’t break through South Africa’s disciplined defence.
Coach Ellis reflects on Banyana Banyana’s WAFCON win
Speaking after the match, Ellis praised her team’s resilience and defensive organisation.
“I think they started really well. They had us under pressure the first 15 minutes. We changed things a bit, and then got out and started getting onto the ball a lot more because that is our strength.
“I haven’t seen the penalty though, but I know the foul was in the box. Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes it doesn’t. I think the second goal came at a great time. We could have finished it off with the third one.”
She added: “They had a couple of chances. But if you look at the game overall, I think it was even Stevens because Andile made quite a couple of saves as well.
“Defensively, we were really sound. We always know we’re gonna create chances, and we always say if we can keep a clean sheet, we’ll win the game. Our whole team played defensively really well, but it was extremely hot out there.
“The cooling break was welcome. I think we made the changes at the right time as well, and that also really helped to settle down the team.
“Take nothing away from Ghana. They’re still a quality side. The first 15 minutes could have changed the game if we had conceded. But we stuck in there and took control to get the result we wanted.”
Banyana Banyana will return to action on Friday, 11 July, when they face Tanzania in their second group match at the same venue.
Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 (SA time).
What did you think of Banyana Banyana’s performance against Ghana? Can they go all the way and defend their WAFCON title?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
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