South Africa’s women’s national football team, Banyana Banyana, started their 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence with a confident 2-0 victory over Ghana in their Group C opener in Oujda on July 7[1]. Goals from Linda Motlhalo (penalty) and Jermaine Seoposenwe inside the first 35 minutes set the tone and placed South Africa at the top of Group C on goal difference[3].
Coach Desiree Ellis praised her squad’s composed performance, emphasizing the importance of a strong start to the tournament as they aim to defend their continental crown[1]. Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini played a crucial role, making several key saves in the second half to preserve the clean sheet, while South Africa’s defensive structure kept Ghana from capitalizing on their opportunities[1].
Banyana Banyana now shift their focus to a crucial group stage clash against Tanzania, scheduled for July 11 at Honneur Stadium in Oujda, with kickoff at 9 pm South African time[3]. A win against Tanzania could all but guarantee South Africa’s progression to the tournament’s knockout rounds, potentially with a game to spare, depending on the result of the other match between Ghana and Mali[3].
Coach Ellis expressed confidence but warned against underestimating Tanzania, noting that previous Olympic qualifiers between the two sides showed that no game can be taken lightly[5]. Both teams enter this fixture with contrasting starts—South Africa with a win over Ghana, while Tanzania lost 1-0 to Mali[3].
Banyana Banyana have now gone 12 WAFCON matches without defeat, winning ten and drawing two[7]. The team’s recent form, and their ability to manage tournament pressure, position them as strong favorites not only in Group C but for the title defence as well[3].