AFCON 2025
Defending champions, South Africa began their title defence in style with a 2–0 win over Ghana in their Group C opener at the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco.
Linda Motlhalo opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 28th minute after VAR confirmed a foul on Noxolo Cesane in the box. Jermaine Seoposenwe doubled the lead just six minutes later, finishing off a precise through-ball from Lebohang Ramalepe.
Ghana created some good opportunities in the second half, with Evelyn Badu hitting the crossbar and Alice Kusi coming close, but South Africa’s goalkeeper Andile Dlamini stood firm to preserve the clean sheet.
The win puts South Africa top of the group on goal difference, tied on points with Mali.
Later in the evening, Mali secured a vital 1–0 victory over Tanzania.The match was tightly contested, with few clear-cut chances, but it was Saratou Traoré who made the difference late in the first half. She found the net during stoppage time after a well-worked set-piece routine.
Tanzania responded with urgency in the second half and created several openings, most notably through Stumai Athumani, who forced a strong save from Malian goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao.
Despite their efforts, Tanzania couldn’t break through Mali’s organized defence, and the West Africans held on to take all three points.
