Nigeria, July 8 -- Reigning champions South Africa launched their 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in style, securing a commanding 2-0 victory over Ghana in their Group C opener on Monday evening in Oujda.

It was a confident and clinical start by Desiree Ellis' side, who signalled their title intent early in the expanded 12-team tournament. First-half goals from Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe inside just seven minutes were enough to seal the points against a returning Black Queens side that failed to match the reigning champions' intensity.

South Africa controlled the tempo from the onset, and after sustained pressure, VAR awarded them a penalty on 28 minutes following a foul on Noxolo Cesane.

Motlhalo stepp...