WAFCON 2024: Champions South Africa Start Title Defence With Victory Over Ghana

WAFCON 2024: Champions South Africa Start Title Defence With Victory Over Ghana

Sampson Adedeji

Reigning champions South Africa kicked off their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence with an impressive 2-0 win over Ghana in their opening Group C clash in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The game, played under the intense heat of Oujda, saw a cautious start from both teams before Linda Motlhalo broke the deadlock in the 28th minute.

The midfielder calmly converted from the penalty spot after a VAR review confirmed Noxolo Cesane had been brought down by Grace Asantewaa inside the box.

Banyana Banyana doubled their advantage just six minutes later, with Jermaine Seoposenwe slotting home a composed finish after a well-timed pass from Lebogang Ramalepe.

Ghana came close to pulling one back in the second half, striking the woodwork twice through Alice Kusi’s powerful effort from distance and Evelyn Badu’s header, but they failed to find a breakthrough.

The victory sees South Africa take an early lead in Group C ahead of the group’s other fixture between Mali and Tanzania later on Monday in Berkane.