WAFCON 2025: South Africa Overpowers Ghana 2–0 as Mali Snatches Late Win Over Tanzania

Defending champions South Africa’s Banyana Banyana launched their WAFCON 2025 campaign in style with a convincing 2–0 win over Ghana’s Black Queens, while Mali edged past Tanzania 1–0 in a tense Group C clash.

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), now in full swing, continues to deliver drama, skill, and historic moments as top teams across the continent battle for the prestigious title and a spot at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

South Africa came into the tournament with high expectations—and lived up to the hype.

The game began with Ghana showing early attacking intent, but it was South Africa who drew first blood in the 28th minute, when Linda Motlhalo calmly converted a penalty after a handball in the box.

Just before halftime, Jermaine Seoposenwe doubled the lead with a stunning finish inside the area, giving South Africa total control going into the break.

In the second half, Andile Dlamini, South Africa’s goalkeeper, produced two key saves to keep Ghana scoreless, earning praise for her composure under pressure.

“We showed discipline, and this is just the beginning,” said South Africa coach Desiree Ellis during the post-match conference.

With the win, South Africa now sits at the top of Group C with 3 points and a solid goal difference.

In the evening’s second Group C matchup, Mali secured a 1–0 win over Tanzania thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time goal by Saratou Traoré.

The match was largely even, with both sides creating half-chances but struggling to find a breakthrough. Just when it seemed destined for a draw, Traoré latched onto a deflected pass and buried the winner deep into injury time—sending Mali’s bench and fans into celebration.

“We fought till the final whistle. This is what WAFCON is all about,” said Traoré after the match.

With the victory, Mali now joins South Africa on 3 points in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested group.

The next round of matches will be critical, especially for Ghana and Tanzania, who must bounce back or risk early elimination.