South Africa forward Noxolo Cesane says Banyana Banyana are concentrating on their own performance as they prepare to face Ghana’s Black Queens in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2025 opener on Monday in Group C.
The reigning champions are in Morocco for the tournament and are looking to kick off their title defence with a win against a Ghanaian side returning to the competition after seven years.
“We are more focused on what we need to be doing on the day when the Ghana game comes, and we are really working on that,” Cesane told SAFA.
“We are focused on ourselves and not stressed about other teams, and we just need to make sure that we do (on the field) what we train.”
Cesane acknowledged the evolving nature of competition at this level but remains confident in her team’s preparation and mentality.
“Every day, every month and every season teams change, and it is going to be hard, but we have to fix ourselves instead of looking at other teams. We have to work hard to achieve what we want,” she added.
Ghana will also face Tanzania and Mali in the group stage. South Africa, meanwhile, are hoping to replicate their 2022 triumph and remain one of the tournament favourites.
