Banyana Banyana Power Past Mali to Reach Quarter-Finals

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana have booked their place in the quarter-finals with a confident and commanding win over Mali, continuing their impressive run on the continental stage.

From the opening whistle, Banyana Banyana set the tone with confidence and intent, controlling the tempo through crisp passing, tactical discipline, and explosive pace out wide. It took just five minutes for South Africa to find the opener - a flowing move down the right flank ended with Lebohang Ramalepe finishing smartly to give Banyana an early lead.

Mali struggled to find rhythm against South Africa’s structured and compact defence. Known for their physical approach and long-range strikes, the West Africans were consistently denied space and time on the ball. Refiloe Jane doubled the advantage in the 32nd minute, capitalising on sustained pressure and expertly placing her effort beyond the keeper.

After the break, the intensity didn’t drop. Hildah Magaia made it 3–0 just after the hour mark, latching onto a turnover deep in Mali’s half and calmly slotting home. The final blow came in the 79th minute when Ronnel Tammlyn Donnelly found the back of the net, sealing a comprehensive 4–0 victory.

It was a statement performance from Banyana Banyana - composed, clinical, and commanding, as they march confidently into the quarter-finals.

As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 4-0 to South Africa, but the performance said even more. It was a match that underlined the squad’s growth, tactical discipline, and hunger to go further.

Now into the quarter-finals, Banyana Banyana carry the hopes of a nation - and with momentum on their side, they’re showing all the signs of a team ready to challenge for the title.