Reigning champions South Africa will begin their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence today (Monday) as they take on Ghana in a high-stakes Group C encounter at the Stade d’Honneur d’Oujda in Morocco.
Banyana Banyana, who lifted their first WAFCON title in 2022, enter the 2025 edition as one of the favourites and will look to extend their strong record in tournament openers. They are unbeaten in their last three WAFCON openers, including back-to-back victories over Nigeria.
Following the South Africa–Ghana clash, Mali and Tanzania will face off in the group’s second fixture later today.
South Africa’s recent history against Ghana in competitive fixtures does not favour them. The last time the two sides met in a WAFCON match was in 2016, when Ghana edged them 1–0 in the bronze medal match. Ghana also defeated Banyana in a 2018 friendly. South Africa’s last win over Ghana in the competition dates back to 2008.
However, Banyana’s recent momentum and title-winning pedigree make them slight favourites to end a 17-year drought against the Black Queens.
Ghana, on the other hand, are still chasing their first WAFCON title. Despite reaching three finals—losing each to Nigeria—they’ve struggled in recent editions. Since 2008, the West Africans have only made it past the group stage once and failed to qualify for the last tournament in 2022.
Speaking ahead of the game, Ghana coach Kim Lars Björkegren admitted the challenge ahead but remains optimistic: “It will take belief, hard work, a little bit of luck, and a clear game plan.”
