The South African Senior Women’s National Team, Banyana Banyana, began the defence of their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title on a positive note with a 2-0 win over Ghana at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco on Monday night.
Two goals from Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe in the first half were enough to see the reigning African Champions win their seventh consecutive match in this tournament.
Played in soaring heat with temperatures hovering around 35 degrees Celsius, the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana were tested by the physical Ghana, but coach Dr Desiree Ellis’ charges held their own, controlling the proceedings from early on.
The South Africans took the lead in the 28th minute after midfielder Noxolo Cesane, who was celebrating her 50th cap, was brought down in the Ghana box. It took a VAR check to confirm the penalty.
The ever-reliable Linda Motlhalo coolly slotted it past goalkeeper Cynthia Koldan Findib.
It was about six minutes later when Jermaine Seoposenwe made it 2-0 after she received a delightful pass from Lebohang Ramalepe as they went to the dressing room with a comfortable advantage.
In the second stanza South Africa put game management to good use as they were able to keep Ghana at bay, with Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini making some spectacular saves.
Dr Ellis made some changes, replacing Lebohang Ramalepe, Noxolo Cesane and Amogelang Motau with Hildah Magaia, Regina Mogolola and Ronnel Donnelly – the latter was making her debut for Banyana Banyana.
With Ghana launching attacks relentlessly, Seoposenwe could have wrapped the game up late in the match after a good run. She beat the goalkeeper, but the ball went narrowly wide.
The West Africans tried hard to get back into the game and hit the crossbar twice but in the end, South Africa triumphed in their eighth meeting with Ghana.
“They had us under pressure, and we couldn’t get out of our half, we changed things a bit and started getting onto the ball 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. But I think the second goal came also at a great time. We could have finished it off with the third one and they almost got back in.
“Overall, I think it was even Stevens because Andile Dlamini made quite a couple of saves as well. We always say if we can keep a clean sheet we win the game, and today our whole team played defensively really well. But it was extremely hot out there and I think the cooling break was welcome. Take nothing away from Ghana, they are still a quality side,” said Dr Ellis.
Banyana Banyana return to action on Friday (11 July) as they face Tanzania in their second match of the tournament at the same venue.
Kickoff is at 21h00 South African time (20h00 local time in Morocco).
