Banyana Banyana cruised past Mali in their final Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Group C match, stepping up a gear with a commanding 4-0 victory at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, on Monday night, 14 July 2025.
With their place in the quarterfinals already secured prior to kickoff, Coach Dr Desiree Ellis rang in the changes, reintroducing fan favourite Andile Dlamini in goal, while co-captains Lebogang Ramalepe and Amogelang Motau also returned to the starting lineup.
The rotation had no adverse effect as the reigning African champions delivered a composed and clinical performance.
South Africa took control early and set the course for the remainder of the match when Ramalepe opened the scoring in just the fourth minute.
Midfield maestro Refiloe Jane doubled the lead with a sublime curling free kick in the 31st minute, sending the team into halftime with a 2-0 advantage.
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Banyana kept the pressure on after the break, and Hildah “the breadwinner” Magaia added her name to the scoresheet in the 60th minute with a well-taken third goal. Substitute Ronnel Donnelly then made it a night to remember, netting her first international goal in the 78th minute to seal a comprehensive win in her WAFCON debut.
It was a result that will have pleased Ellis and her technical team, as the team not only kept a clean sheet but also showcased their depth and attacking prowess.
With the victory, Banyana finish top of Group C ahead of Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania, setting up a quarterfinal clash with Senegal, who placed third in Group A. The West Africans have shown flashes of promise and will pose a different kind of test for the defending champions.
The quarterfinals kick off on Friday, 18 July. South Africa will be in action the following day, Saturday, 19 July, at 21:00, once again at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, as they continue their quest to retain the title they famously lifted in Morocco in 2022.
South Africa’s Group C Fixtures and Results at the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda
Mon, 7 July: Banyana Banyana 2-0 Ghana
Fri, 11 July: Banyana Banyana 1-1 Tanzania
Mon, 14 July: Banyana Banyana 4-0 Mali
Banyana Banyana Squad for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025
Goalkeepers
Kaylin Swart
Andile Dlamini
Dineo Magagula
Casey Gordon
Defenders
Lebohang Ramalepe
Fikile Magama
Gabriela Salgado
Tiisetso Makhubela
Bambanani Mbane
Karabo Dhlamini
Lonathemba Mhlongo
Bongeka Gamede
Midfielders
Sibulele Holweni
Linda Motlhalo
Nonhlanhla Mthandi
Refiloe Jane
Amogelang Motau
Regina Mogolola
Noxolo Cesane
Adrielle Mibe
Kgaelebane Mohlakoana
Forwards
Hildah Magaia
Jermaine Seoposenwe
Nthabiseng Majiya
Bonolo Mokoma
Ronnel Donnely
Original Copy: SAFA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: The looks says ‘All business’ as an unbeaten Banyana Banyana breeze past Mali to finish top of the log after the WAFCON 2024 Group C matches, set to take on Senegal on Saturday, after completing the preliminary round at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, on Monday night, 14 July 2025. Photo: CAF
Photo 2 Caption: A corner flag dance to mark Hildah Magaia’s goal for Banyana Banyana to stretch their lead to 3-0, midway through the second half.
Photo 3 Caption: Lebohang Ramalepe was crowned Woman of the Match, her 4’ conversion after returning to the reigning African champs starting lineup.
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