WAFCON 2024: Banyana Banyana Kick Off Title Defence With 2-0 Win Over Ghana
1 min read
By Sedara Philip
The reigning Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champions, Banyana Banyana of South Africa, have started their title defence on a high note with a 2-0 win over Ghana’s Black Queens in their Group C opener in Morocco.
The South Africans took the lead in the 28th minute through Linda Motlhalo’s penalty kick, which was awarded after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check revealed that Noxolo Cesane had been fouled in the box by Ghana’s Grace Asantewaa.
Motlhalo coolly slotted the ball past the Ghanaian goalkeeper, giving Banyana Banyana a deserved lead.
Just six minutes later, Jermaine Seoposenwe doubled the lead for the champions with a clinical finish. She received a perfectly weighted pass from Lebogang Ramalepe and sent a low shot past Cynthia Konlan at her near post, making it 2-0 in favour of Banyana Banyana.
Despite the two-goal deficit, Ghana created some good chances in the second half. Alice Kusi’s long-range shot hit the woodwork, and Evelyn Badu’s header also struck the post, but the South African defence held firm to secure the win.
The victory puts Banyana Banyana top of Group C ahead of Mali who defeated Tanzania in Berkane in the other group C game
The champions will look to build on this positive start and defend their title against strong competition in the tournament.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
