Banyana cruise into WAFCON quarter-finals with emphatic win over Mali
Image: Backpagepix
Banyana Banyana produced a dominant display at Stade Moulay Hassan on Monday night, brushing aside Mali 4-0 to seal top spot in their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) group.
The defending champions came out with intent, wasting no time in stamping their authority on the match. Veteran full-back Lebogang Ramalepe, returning to the starting line-up, opened the scoring inside five minutes, curling a superb effort into the top corner after a clever pass from Jermaine Seoposenwe.
Mali attempted a response, but South Africa — far more composed and organised than in their earlier draw against Tanzania — never lost control. Refiloe Jane, another of the returning starters, doubled the lead in the 36th minute with a venomous free kick that left goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao rooted.
With a quarterfinal place already secured before kick-off, coach Desiree Ellis made multiple changes at half-time — withdrawing Jane, Seoposenwe and Amogelang Motau for Regina Mogolola, Sibulele Holweni and Gabriel Salgado. But the substitutions did little to blunt South Africa's momentum.
The third goal came midway through the second half when Hildah Magaia, making her first real mark on this year's tournament, latched onto a through ball from Karabo Dhlamini and rifled it home — a finish that underscored the gulf in class.
There was still time for a special moment from 20-year-old Ronnel Donnelly, who bagged her first-ever Banyana goal in just her third appearance, finishing smartly in the 79th minute to complete the rout.
South Africa dominated possession, carved open Mali's defence at will, and maintained discipline at the back — with Andile Dlamini only rarely tested in goal.
The result means Banyana completed the group stage unbeaten, and extended their remarkable WAFCON record under Ellis to 14 matches without defeat, dating back to the 2018 edition.
It was a statement performance from a team that now appears to be hitting its stride — just in time for the knockout rounds.
SCORES
South Africa (2) 4
Ramalepe 5', Jane 36', Magaia 68' Donnelly 79'
Mali 0
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