Cool heads, hot form: Banyana Banyana burn past Ghana in Wafcon opener

SOUTH Africa’s Banyana Banyana brought the heat – and kept their cool – to secure a confident 2-0 win over Ghana in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) opener on Monday night.

IOL Sport's Mihlali Baleka reported that despite sweltering conditions at Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, the defending champions struck twice in the first half and managed the game with discipline, structure, and flashes of attacking brilliance.

Linda Motlhalo opened the scoring from the penalty spot following a VAR-reviewed foul in the box, before Jermaine Seoposenwe added a second just six minutes later with a composed close-range finish.

Coach Desiree Ellis praised her team’s composure under pressure – both from the Black Queens and the 40°C Moroccan heat.

“It was definitely hot out there – not only the weather, but on the pitch as well,” Ellis said.

“They started well and had us under pressure in the first 15 minutes. We couldn’t get out of our build-up. But we changed things a bit and then got out. We started getting on the ball a lot more, because that’s our strength.”

While Ghana came out aggressively after the break – hitting the crossbar twice and testing South Africa’s backline – Banyana held firm. Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini stood tall with several sharp saves to preserve the clean sheet.

At the heart of Banyana’s resolute defence was Player of the Match Bambanani Mbane, who marshalled the backline with calm authority. But Ellis gave credit to the entire squad for their effort without the ball.

“Defensively, we were really sound – and we always know we’re going to create chances. We always say: ‘If we keep clean sheets, we’re going to win the game’, " Ellis said. "Our whole team played very well defensively."

Though the coach admitted her side could have sealed the game with a third goal, the early strikes and disciplined game management were enough to start their title defence on a winning note.

“We had a couple of chances, and the second goal came at the right time,” Ellis said. “But it was extremely hot out there, so I think the cooling break was welcome.”