Reigning champions South Africa’s Banyana Banyana commenced their 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a perfect start, securing a commanding 2-0 victory over Ghana’s Black Queens in their Group C opener at the Stade d’Honneur d’Oujda on Monday.

The crucial win underscores Banyana Banyana’s status as formidable title contenders in this expanded 12-team continental showpiece.

Goals from Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe inside a blistering opening 35 minutes set the tone for Desiree Ellis’ side.

South Africa looked composed and assertive from the first whistle, taking a deserved lead in the 28th minute.

A VAR review confirmed a foul on the dynamic Noxolo Cesane inside the box, prompting a penalty. Motlhalo stepped up confidently, slotting the ball coolly into the bottom right corner to give her side the advantage their early pressure warranted.

Momentum swiftly swung in favour of the champions, who struck again just moments later. Full-back Lebohang Ramalepe initiated a surging run forward, threading a clever pass into the path of Jermaine Seoposenwe.

The seasoned forward calmly finished low into the far corner, effectively doubling South Africa’s lead and leaving Ghana stunned.

Ghana, making their return to the WAFCON finals after missing the last edition, struggled to match the fierce pace and meticulous organisation of their more experienced opponents in the first half.

While the Black Queens showed more intent and grew into the contest after the break, their efforts were often thwarted by a lack of clinical finishing. Both Evelyn Badu and Alice Kusi came close, each rattling the crossbar in frustrating fashion.

Despite several promising spells of pressure in the second half, the Black Queens found South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini in inspired form.

Dlamini made a series of crucial saves, commanding her area with authority and ultimately preserving her side’s clean sheet.

South Africa expertly managed the game in the closing stages, with coach Ellis introducing fresh legs through Hildah Magaia and Ronnel Donnelly to maintain control of possession and absorb Ghana’s late push.

This victory extends Banyana Banyana’s impressive record in WAFCON opening matches, marking their third consecutive tournament opener win, following successes against arch-rivals Nigeria in both the 2018 and 2022 editions.

With Mali also securing a 1-0 win over Tanzania in the other Group C fixture on Monday, the group promises to be highly competitive.

Ghana, now facing an uphill battle, will need to regroup swiftly if they are to revive their hopes of progressing from this challenging group.

Their next match is against Mali on Friday, July 11, while South Africa will face Tanzania on the same day.