South Africa’s Banyana Banyana are through to the quarterfinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a dominant 4-0 victory over Mali in Morocco on Monday night.
It was a fast start from the South Africans, who looked sharp and confident from the first whistle. Lebohang Ramalepe opened the scoring just five minutes in with a superb right-footed strike into the top corner.
Refiloe Jane doubled the lead in the 32nd minute with a brilliant free-kick that flew past Mali’s goalkeeper, Fatoumata Karentao. Banyana Banyana took a well-deserved 2-0 lead into the break, having controlled possession and dictated the pace of the game.
In the second half, Hildah Magaia made it 3-0 in the 61st minute, calmly finishing a great pass from Karabo Dhlamini. Substitute Ronnel Donnelly then sealed the win in the 78th minute after a smooth assist from Nonhlanhla Mthandi.
Mali had a few chances of their own, but Andile Dlamini stood firm in goal, making some key saves to keep a clean sheet. South Africa’s defence remained solid throughout.
Elsewhere in Group C, Ghana also secured a spot in the playoffs with a 4-1 win over Tanzania. After going into halftime tied at 1-1, a second-half penalty from Alice Kusi, followed by goals from Evelyn Badu and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, gave the Black Queens a strong finish.
