Soccer
Clinical Banyana hit four past Mali, will face Senegal next─── MORGAN PIEK 09:44 Tue, 15 Jul 2025
The defending champions South Africa finished top of Group C at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, securing a quarter-final clash against Senegal.
Heading into their final group match on Monday night, Banyana Banyana had already booked their place in the last eight, but needed a win to guarantee top spot and a more favourable path in the knockouts. And they delivered in style, beating Mali 4–0 in Oujda after taking a 2–0 lead into half-time.
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— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) July 14, 2025
?? ????: Refiloe Jane has doubled the lead for Banyana Banyana against Mali!
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Leboang Ramalepe opened the scoring in just the 5th minute with a composed strike into the top-right corner. Co-captain and stalwart Refiloe Jane then doubled the lead in the 32nd minute with a sensational free-kick that curled into the top-left corner, leaving Mali goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao stranded.
Another senior player, Hildah Magaia, added the third goal in the 62nd minute, clinically finishing with her left foot after a perfectly timed through-ball from Karabo Dhlamini.
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— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) July 14, 2025
?? ????: Hildah Magaia puts Banyana Banyana three up against Mali!
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With 12 minutes remaining, substitute Ronnel Donnelly put the result beyond doubt by scoring the fourth goal – finishing off a pinpoint assist from Nonhlanhla Mthandi.
The emphatic victory not only sealed top spot in Group C, but also ensured that Banyana will face a relatively easier quarter-final opponent in Senegal, who finished third in Group A with just one win from their three matches. Mali, meanwhile, face a far tougher challenge against hosts Morocco, who topped Group A with two wins and a draw.
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— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) July 14, 2025
?? ????: Ronnel Donnelly makes if four for Banyana Banyana!
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South Africa emerged as the best qualifier overall from the group stage. While both Morocco (Group A) and Nigeria (Group B) also ended on seven points, Banyana’s superior goal difference (+6) – thanks to seven goals scored and just one conceded – saw them emerge as the best qualifier. South Africa's only goal conceded was on Friday night in the 1-1 draw against Tanzania.
Saturday’s quarter-final between South Africa and Senegal will kick off at 21:00 at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda.
OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg
