Banyana Banyana Storm Into WAFCON Quarterfinals With 4-0 Masterclass Over Mali

South Africa’s reigning queens of the continent are heating up at just the right time

Banyana Banyana are through to the quarterfinals of the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in style — and not just with a quiet win. The defending champions turned on the flair and firepower on Monday night in Morocco, dispatching Mali 4-0 to cement their place at the top of Group C.

With knockout football on the horizon, South Africa looks ready to defend their title with purpose, poise and a serious scoring touch.

Fast start, flawless finish

It took just five minutes for Banyana to remind the continent why they’re still the team to beat. Veteran right-back Lebohang Ramalepe opened the scoring with a laser-guided shot into the top corner, setting the tone for what became a long and painful night for the Malian defence.

In the 32nd minute, captain Refiloe Jane — as calm and composed as ever — bent a peach of a free kick past a helpless Fatoumata Karentao in goal. By halftime, South Africa had complete control of the game, dominating midfield battles and probing the final third with intent.

The second half brought more of the same. Hildah Magaia made it three just after the hour mark with a clinical left-footed finish, set up by Karabo Dhlamini’s incisive through-ball. And the final blow? Delivered by substitute Ronnel Donnelly in the 78th minute, after a clever assist from Nonhlanhla Mthandi.

Dlamini stands tall at the back

While the headlines will go to the scorers, goalkeeper Andile Dlamini quietly had a night to remember. Mali’s Saratou Traore and Fatou Dembele had a few chances to shift the momentum, but Dlamini and her backline held firm, collecting a well-earned clean sheet and keeping the pressure off as Banyana controlled possession.

A message to the rest of Africa: we’re not done yet

This wasn’t just about qualifying for the next round — it was about sending a message. Coach Desiree Ellis has spoken about the importance of momentum and confidence, and this result gives the team both in bucketloads. The squad now avoids a tougher quarterfinal draw and will remain based in Oudja, where they’ve grown comfortable throughout the group stage.

On social media, fans were full of praise. “These women are writing history again,” tweeted one supporter, while another wrote, “Banyana plays with passion and precision. What a team.”

Elsewhere in Group C: Ghana also advances

In the other Group C match, Ghana’s Black Queens made sure they booked their own quarterfinal ticket with a 4-1 triumph over Tanzania. After going into the break at 1-1, Ghana surged ahead in the second half thanks to a composed penalty from Alice Kusi, followed by late goals from Evelyn Badu and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah.

What’s next for Banyana?

South Africa’s win means they’ll likely avoid heavyweights like Algeria in the quarterfinals, instead facing one of the best third-placed teams. If their form continues, they could very well find themselves charging toward another WAFCON final.

For now, the message from Banyana is clear: We’re here to defend our crown — and we’re not backing down.