Defending champions South Africa showed marked improvements as they thumped Mali 4-0 in Oudja on Monday to finish top of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations group and send out a strong signal of intent for the upcoming knockout stage.
Goals from Lebogang Ramalepe, captain Refiloe Jane, Hildah Magaia and Ronnel Donnelly ensured that Banyana Banyana finished Group C unbeaten with seven points and will stay on in the town on the Mediterranean coast to face Senegal in their weekend quarter-final.
Mali, despite the heavy loss, are also through to the next round but dropped down to third place in the group and will now take on hosts Morocco in Rabat in their quarter-final on Friday.
South Africa had looked flat and underwhelming in their last game against Tanzania but bounced back after the 1-1 draw with much more purpose on Monday.
Ramalepe slotted in a rare international goal, having been drafted into the midfield instead of her usual right-back position, to give South Africa an early lead and lay the platform for a comfortable triumph.
A defensive error by Mali defender Coumba Dembele saw Jermaine Seoposenwe steal away the ball and pass to Ramalepe to fire a home an excellent finish.
Jane doubled the score in the 32nd minute with a spectacular curling freekick. Her initial effort had been saved by the goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao, but a retake was ordered and given a second opportunity, Jane made no mistake with one of the better goals seen to date in the tournament in Morocco.
Coach Desiree Ellis used the security of the lead, and the fact that South Africa were already qualified to make three halftime changes, with Sibulele Holweni, Regina Mogolola and Gabriela Salgado all brought on for the second stanza. It was the first game time in the tournament for 27-year-old Salgado. Donnelly and Nonhlanhla Mthandi also came on midway through the half.
Magaia got the third goal just past the hour mark, slipping the ball across Mali replacement keeper Alima Cissé with a smart left-footed finish.
Mthandi then provided a perfect pass from the right for Donnelly to tap home for her first international goal.
The other Group C game on Mondau saw Ghana beat Tanzania 4-1 in Berkane to finish second in the group.
With the first round completed on Monday, the line-up for the quarter-final is now settled The last eight matches will be played on Friday and Saturday and will be live on SuperSport.