Soccer
Banyana are the defending African champions and will be looking to kick off their title defense in style.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, commonly known as WAFCON, kicked off this past weekend. Senegal, Nigeria and Algeria have already picked up opening day wins over the weekend, while Morocco and Zambia were involved in a 2-2 thriller on Saturday night. Our very own Banyana Banyana come into the tournament as defending champions, having won WAFCON 2022 in Morocco, beating the hosts 2-1 in the final. We preview their Group and Matchday 1 fixture against Ghana.
Preparations
The preparation for the tournament has not been perfect for Banyana. Key player resignations, payment delays and other issues have threatened to derail their pre-tournament planning. However, the comments coming out of the camp remain optimistic despite the off-field noise. They are one of the favourites coming into the tournament, given their record in major tournaments and their current form. They have reached the WAFCON final in each of the last two editions, and often make their way deep into the competition.
10 – Only Nigeria’s Super Falcons (12 times) have reached the final-four on more occasions than Banyana (10 times).
Group C
Banyana have been drawn into Group C alongside Ghana, Mali and Tanzania. Based on the World Rankings, Banyana can consider themselves favourites. They are 54th in the world and 2nd in Africa, with Ghana (66th in the world, 6th in Africa) just behind. Mali (78th and 8th) are the third highest ranked, with Tanzania (1371 and 23rd) anchoring the table. The real battle should be between Ghana, Mali and SA, while Tanzania, which has previously only been to one tournament, will be happy if they even get a win.
Banyana are in their 14th participation at WAFCON, with only Nigeria (15 times) having done so on more occasions.
Matchday 1
Banyana’s key game is against Ghana, and will likely set the tone for their tournament. The teams have met four times before, and are almost inseparable based on history, with two draws and one win apiece from previous clashes. Yet, the most recent result (and the one with players likely to feature in this tournament) saw Banyana cruise to a 3-0 win in a September 2021 friendly. That may be a factor considered in the odds, which give Banyana a 62% chance of victory compared to Ghana’s 22% chance. The teams have played different levels of opponents this year, but even that form has Banyana ahead. Ghana have won only three of the 8 games they have played in 2025, but Banyana have been flying.
Banyana have a 100% win rate in 2025, winning seven of seven official games played.
Key Players
In the absence of Noko Matlou (retired) and Thembi Kgatlana (absent for personal reasons), new players will have to rise to the occasion. Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, defenders Lebogang Ramalepe and Bambanani Mbane will provide the cover needed for a side known to attack often. Bongeka Gamede and Refiloe Jane will bring the needed experience in the middle, while the likes of Jermaine Seoposenwe, Linda Motlhalo and Hildah Magaia will be key attacking players to any hopes of success for Banyana.
2004 – It’s been 20 years since Banyana failed to progress past the Group stages at a WAFCON finals.