South Africa Beat Ghana in WAFCON Opener

Defending champions South Africa began their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence with a 2-0 victory over Ghana in their Group C opener in Morocco. Linda Motlhalo scored the first goal from the penalty spot following a VAR-reviewed foul on Noxolo Cesane, and Jermaine Seoposenwe added a second with an assist from Lebohang Ramalepe. Ghana, returning to WAFCON after missing the previous tournament, threatened but were denied by South Africa's disciplined defence and crucial saves from goalkeeper Andile Dlamini. Despite the absence of injured star Thembi Kgatlana, coach Desiree Ellis’s tactical adjustments and the squad’s depth proved decisive. This opening win marks South Africa’s third consecutive WAFCON opener victory and reinforces their position as tournament favorites. Their next group match is against Tanzania, where a win could secure early qualification for the knockout rounds.