South Africa’s women’s national team, Banyana Banyana, delivered a dominant display on Monday as they overpowered Mali 4–0 to top Group C at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The defending champions not only booked a quarter-final spot but also sent a strong message to their rivals with a performance that combined skill, intensity, and clinical finishing.
From the opening whistle at the Oujda Stadium, South Africa took control.
Their early pressure paid off just five minutes into the game when Lebohang Ramalepe fired the team ahead.
The goal came after Jermaine Seoposenwe sliced through Mali’s defence with a clever pass, setting up Ramalepe for a precise finish into the top corner.
Seoposenwe continued to impress, winning a free-kick on the edge of the box midway through the first half.
Refiloe Jane stepped up and curled in a sensational shot that grazed the gloves of Mali’s substitute goalkeeper before finding the net.
It was arguably the standout moment of the day and put South Africa firmly in command.
Despite making several substitutions in the second half, coach Desiree Ellis’ side maintained momentum.
Gabriela Salgado narrowly missed a couple of chances before Hildah Magaia extended the lead in the 61st minute with a well-placed strike that slipped under the goalkeeper’s reach.
South Africa wasn’t done yet. In the 79th minute, Ronnel Donnelly scored her debut goal for the national team after connecting with a clever cutback from Nonhlanhla Mthandi.
That sealed the emphatic 4–0 win and ensured South Africa finished top of their group.
Speaking after the match, coach Desiree Ellis praised her team’s discipline and energy.
“We asked them to be sharp and clinical, and they delivered. Every player stepped up,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ghana secured second place in the group with a 4–1 victory over Tanzania, while Mali, despite the loss, advanced to the quarter-finals as one of the two best third-placed teams.
Botswana, however, missed out.
With the group stage concluded, South Africa now faces Senegal in what promises to be a thrilling quarter-final clash.
Mali will take on host nation Morocco, Ghana will meet Algeria, and Nigeria is set to battle Zambia in the other quarter-final ties.
