Defending champions South Africa began their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a solid 2-0 victory over Ghana on Monday.

The Black Queens started brightly and showed moments of promise, but a costly mistake saw them concede a penalty in the 28th minute after a foul inside the box. Linda Motlhalo calmly converted from the spot to give Desiree Ellis’s side the lead.

The goal seemed to knock the wind out of Ghana’s sails, and South Africa quickly took control of the game. Just six minutes later, Jermaine Seoposenwe doubled the lead, finishing off a fluid move to send Banyana Banyana into the break with a two-goal cushion.

Ghana came out stronger in the second half, controlling possession and defending more resolutely, but the damage had already been done. South Africa held firm to secure all three points and take an early lead in Group C.

In the group’s other match, Mali edged Tanzania 1-0 thanks to a goal from Wuhan Jiangda midfielder Saratou Traoré. Up next, Mali will take on Ghana while South Africa face Tanzania, with both sides eyeing a spot in the quarterfinals.