South Africa Beat Ghana 2-0 in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Opener
South Africa started their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title defence with a strong 2-0 win against Ghana in their first Group C match in Morocco.
The game began slowly in the hot weather of Oujda. But in the 28th minute, Linda Motlhalo scored the first goal from a penalty. The penalty was given after a video check showed that Noxolo Cesane was fouled in the box by Grace Asantewaa.
Just six minutes later, Jermaine Seoposenwe made it 2-0. She received a perfect pass from Lebogang Ramalepe and calmly scored past Cynthia Konlan at the near post.
Ghana had some chances in the second half. Alice Kusi hit the post with a long shot, and Evelyn Badu hit the woodwork with a header. But they couldn’t find a goal.
South Africa now top Group C on goal difference, after Mali beat Tanzania 1-0 in the other group match on Monday night.
Banyana Banyana Off to a Good Start
There were questions about how South Africa would perform, especially with problems in the team. Some players hadn’t been paid, and star striker Thembi Kgatlana decided not to play in the tournament for personal reasons.
But coach Desiree Ellis will be happy with the performance. Motlhalo stayed calm to score her penalty, and Seoposenwe – who plans to retire from international football after the tournament – finished her chance well.
Ghana struggled to create clear chances in the first half. Their best effort came in the 40th minute when Asantewaa forced a good save from South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.
Ghana played better after half-time, but South Africa had chances to score again. Seoposenwe had two opportunities but couldn’t take them. One shot went straight at the keeper, and she missed another one-on-one chance after a nice pass from Motlhalo.
Soon after, Kusi’s shot hit the post, and Ghana substitute Princess Marfo made Dlamini work hard again. In the 77th minute, Comfort Yeboah crossed the ball and Badu’s header also hit the post.
Next, Ghana will play Mali on Friday, and South Africa will face Tanzania later that same day.
