SA look for winning start in Wafcon defence

South Africa will look to get the defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title off to a winning start when they face Ghana in their opening group C match, set for the Honour Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, on the evening of Monday 7 July.

Kick-off is at 6pm CAT.

Banyana won the last edition of the Wafcon – also held in Morocco – in 2022 and will return to the North African country determined to secure back-to-back continental triumphs under the guidance of esteemed coach, Dr. Desiree Ellis.

Their preparations have gone well, with the team on a six-game winning streak in official matches, including victories over regional rivals Botswana and Zambia – both of which are also Wafcon participants this year – in late May and early June.

“Preparing for this edition of Wafcon has brought a very different set of challenges compared to previous years, not because the task is harder, but because the context has changed. We're no longer chasing history; we're carrying it. With that comes new pressure, new expectations, and new obstacles,” said Ellis.

The South African tactician added, “The only country that has successfully defended Wafcon on numerous occasions is Nigeria. Over the past two years, Banyana has shown that they can defy all odds by winning Wafson as well as getting to the last 16 at the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup, and it will take a bigger effort as they have shown true grit and resilience and this is a team that never gives up.

“Winning it [Wafcon] back-to-back will be right up there with everything else we have achieved as a team over the last two years. It will inspire a nation, and hopefully, more sponsorship will come on board, more players will be scouted to play abroad, as has been the trend since Wafcon, with many players now playing in the top teams in the different leagues around the world.”

BLACK QUEENS POSE THREAT

Ghana are three-time runners-up in the Wafcon but missed the last tournament in 2022 after failing to qualify.

The Black Queens have recorded mixed results in the lead-up to the 2025 tournament, defeating the likes of Malawi and Benin, but suffering a 3-1 defeat at the hands of old rivals Nigeria last Sunday.

Coach Kim Björkegren says his team is not among the favourites, but should not be underestimated.

“Ghana hasn't won the [Wafcon] title, and [our] last final was in 2006. So we're not among the favourites. But I believe we can be a strong underdog. If we stick to the game plan and have a good day, we can beat any team,” noted Björkegren.

In head-to-head stats, South Africa and Ghana have met in four matches since 2012, with each side recording one win, and two encounters ending in draws.

The teams’ most recent meeting was an international friendly in September 2021, which was won 3-0 by Banyana thanks to goals from Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana and Sibulele Holweni.