Banyana Banyana Crush Mali to Finish Top of WAFCON Group
South Africa’s national women’s football team, Banyana Banyana, delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Mali at Stade Moulay Hassan on Monday night to secure first place in their group at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The reigning champions set the tone early, taking control within minutes of the opening whistle. Veteran defender Lebogang Ramalepe marked her return to the starting line-up by scoring a stunning goal in the 5th minute. According to team sources, Ramalepe finished off a smart move initiated by Jermaine Seoposenwe, curling the ball neatly into the top corner.
Despite a few efforts from Mali, South Africa remained calm and structured throughout, showing clear improvements from their earlier stalemate with Tanzania. Midfielder Refiloe Jane, also back in the starting eleven, added the second goal just before half-time with a powerful free kick that Mali goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao could only watch fly past her.
With a quarterfinal berth already confirmed, coach Desiree Ellis made several half-time changes, bringing on Regina Mogolola, Sibulele Holweni and Gabriel Salgado to replace Jane, Seoposenwe, and Amogelang Motau. According to coaching staff, the substitutions aimed to maintain energy levels without disrupting momentum.
That momentum continued as Hildah Magaia netted the third goal in the 65th minute, capitalising on a precise through ball from Karabo Dhlamini. Magaia’s clinical finish demonstrated the team’s superiority and highlighted her growing influence in the tournament.
Later, 20-year-old Ronnel Donnelly added a fourth — her first goal for the senior national team — in the 79th minute, sealing a performance filled with skill, control, and confidence. Donnelly’s goal came in only her third appearance and was praised by staff for its composure and timing.
South Africa dominated possession, regularly broke down Mali’s defence, and remained solid at the back. Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini had little to do as her teammates controlled most of the match.
The result keeps Banyana Banyana unbeaten in the group stages and extends their undefeated WAFCON run under Ellis to 14 matches, a streak that began in 2018.
With the knockout phase approaching, the team’s latest performance signals strong intent to defend their continental crown.
The reigning champions set the tone early, taking control within minutes of the opening whistle. Veteran defender Lebogang Ramalepe marked her return to the starting line-up by scoring a stunning goal in the 5th minute. According to team sources, Ramalepe finished off a smart move initiated by Jermaine Seoposenwe, curling the ball neatly into the top corner.
Despite a few efforts from Mali, South Africa remained calm and structured throughout, showing clear improvements from their earlier stalemate with Tanzania. Midfielder Refiloe Jane, also back in the starting eleven, added the second goal just before half-time with a powerful free kick that Mali goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao could only watch fly past her.
With a quarterfinal berth already confirmed, coach Desiree Ellis made several half-time changes, bringing on Regina Mogolola, Sibulele Holweni and Gabriel Salgado to replace Jane, Seoposenwe, and Amogelang Motau. According to coaching staff, the substitutions aimed to maintain energy levels without disrupting momentum.
That momentum continued as Hildah Magaia netted the third goal in the 65th minute, capitalising on a precise through ball from Karabo Dhlamini. Magaia’s clinical finish demonstrated the team’s superiority and highlighted her growing influence in the tournament.
Later, 20-year-old Ronnel Donnelly added a fourth — her first goal for the senior national team — in the 79th minute, sealing a performance filled with skill, control, and confidence. Donnelly’s goal came in only her third appearance and was praised by staff for its composure and timing.
South Africa dominated possession, regularly broke down Mali’s defence, and remained solid at the back. Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini had little to do as her teammates controlled most of the match.
The result keeps Banyana Banyana unbeaten in the group stages and extends their undefeated WAFCON run under Ellis to 14 matches, a streak that began in 2018.
With the knockout phase approaching, the team’s latest performance signals strong intent to defend their continental crown.
