South Africa's Path to WAFCON 2024: Outstanding Group Stage Performances to Heart-Wrenching Knockout Eliminations
Banyana Banyana's Stellar Performance in WAFCON 2025
South Africa's national women's football team, Banyana Banyana, put up a commendable show at the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The team, led by coach Desiree Ellis, advanced to the quarterfinals after a dominating group stage that included a 4-0 victory over Mali.
The 4-0 win over Mali was a highlight of the tournament, with goals from Lebohang Ramalepe, Refiloe Jane, Hildah Magaia, and Ronnel Donnelly. This victory demonstrated the team's depth in scoring options and effective substitutions. Their performance in the group stage was described as "brilliant" and they demonstrated readiness for tougher challenges ahead.
Key players who stood out during the tournament included Lebohang Ramalepe, who consistently contributed and scored the opening goal against Mali, Jermaine Seoposenwe who assisted multiple goals, and Refiloe Jane who scored an impressive free-kick. Bambanani Mbane and Tiisetso Makhubela anchored a backline that conceded just five goals in six matches.
Banyana Banyana finished top of Group C, showcasing their attacking prowess and solid teamwork. However, in the third-place playoff match, they were edged out by Ghana in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Nonhlanhla Mthandi scored a notable goal for South Africa before Ghana equalized via an own goal from goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.
In the quarter-final against Senegal, Banyana Banyana played to a 0-0 draw, but went on to win 4-1 on penalties, with goalkeeper Andile Dlamini making three saves in regular time and two more in the shootout.
Looking ahead, Banyana Banyana’s future prospects remain strong given their solid core of key players and the strategic acumen of the coaching staff. Their group stage dominance and ability to score from set-pieces and open play indicate they are well-positioned to remain contenders in upcoming tournaments. Continued development and experience under Desiree Ellis will be crucial for converting potential into titles once again.
In summary:
- Statistical highlights: 4-0 group stage win over Mali; goals from Ramalepe, Jane, Magaia, Donnelly.
- Key players: Lebohang Ramalepe (consistent scorer), Refiloe Jane (set-piece specialist), Jermaine Seoposenwe (playmaking and assists).
- Tournament outcome: Advanced to quarterfinals; lost third-place match to Ghana on penalties.
- Future prospects: Positive, with a talented core and experienced coaching, expected to compete strongly in future African and global competitions.
- Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini made 20 saves in five games during the tournament.
- Banyana Banyana’s Jermaine Seoposenwe, who has been part of the national team for over ten years, played her last game for the team at this tournament and retires from international football.
Banyana Banyana's impressive triumph over Mali during the group stage of WAFCON 2025 was marked by their scoring prowess, showcased by goals from Lebohang Ramalepe, Refiloe Jane, Hildah Magaia, and Ronnel Donnelly. In the upcoming African and global competitions, their solid core of key players, including Ramalepe and Jane, and the strategic acumen of coach Desiree Ellis position Banyana Banyana well to remain contenders, given their ability to score from set-pieces and open play. Additionally, Jermaine Seoposenwe, a vital member of the national team for over a decade, played her last game for the team at WAFCON 2025, capping off an illustrious international career.
