South Africa proved too strong for Ghana in their Womens Africa Cup of Nations WAFCON Group C opener at the Honor Stadium in Oujda on Monday evening.
Banyana Banyana, the reigning WAFCON champions, won the match 2-0 courtesy of first-half goals from Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe an excellent opening result in defence of their continental crown.
South Africa bossed possession from early on, but it was Ghana who enjoyed the first two efforts on goal though neither was particularly troublesome for goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.
Banyana then claimed the lead shortly before the half-hour mark, as Nxolo Cesane earned a penalty from a late and clumsy foul by Ghana defender Grace Asantewaa. VAR was needed to ensure the spot kick was awarded, and Linda Motlhalo coolly passed the ball into the bottom corner of the net from 12 yards in the 28th minute.
Just six minutes later the reigning WAFCON champs doubled their advantage, with Jermaine Seoposenwe running onto Lebogang Ramalepes pass into the box before sweeping home a low shot which beat goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan at her near post.