Banyana Banyana ran a 4-0 rampage over Mali in the final Group C match at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Honneur Stadium on Monday night.
Lebogang Ramalepe and captain Refiloe Jane struck in the first half, while Hildah Magaia and Ronnel Donnelly scored in the second half to secure three points for the defending champions, as they finished the group stage with seven points.
Mali finished third on four points just behind Ghana who have equal points but a better goal difference after their win over the Twiga Stars in the other group game.
Mali produced an early scare in the opening two minutes earning a corner, however they could not do much with it. They lived to regret that two minutes later when Jermaine Seoposenwe set-up Ramalepe who broke the deadlock with a calm finish in the fourth minute.
Banyana could have doubled the lead in the 20th minute after winning a corner. Karabo Dhlamini’s kick found Bambanani Mbane’s head but the latter headed off target. 11 minutes later Seoposenwe was fouled just outside the box winning a set-piece for South Africa. Captain Jane stepped up and struck a powerful shot to extend Banyana’s lead.
Mali had the same opportunity as the defending champions in injury time of the half, however Saratou Traore’s kick only forced Andile Dlamini to come out and make a save leaving Banyana with 2-0 lead at the break.
Banyana made a triple substitution at the start of the second half bringing on Regina Mogolola, Gabriela Salgado and Sibulele Holweni for Seoposenwe, Jane and Amogelang Motau. Banyana had their first chance at goal in the stanza in the 52nd minute. Salgado set-up Dhlamini who was denied by the cross bar.
Dhlamini redeemed herself at the hour mark producing an assist to Magaia for Banyana’s third goal. Banyana were not done as they had a goal from the bench. Nonhlanhla Mthandi came on as sub to provide the assist for another sub Donnelley’s first goal in national colours and Banyana’s fourth in the 78th minute.
Banyana came into the group decider having already qualified for the knockout phase. There were five changes in the squad from the 1-1 draw against Tanzania with Dlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Motau and Ramalepe returning to the starting line-up while Magaia got her first start at the tournament replacing Noxolo Cesane.
