South Africa clinched the top spot in Group C of the 2022 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat on Sunday following their 1-0 win over neighbours Botswana.

Banyana Banyana, who had already secured their place in the quarter-finals before their final group match, cemented the top place following the win to finish ahead of title holders Nigeria.

Desiree Ellis’ charges dominated the game from the start of the match until the final whistle as teenager Nthabisang Majiya scored the winning goal.

Majiya, 18, came off the bench to replace Chrestinah Thembi Kgatlana to score the only goal of the match in the 80th minute.

Ellis made few alterations to the starting lineup from the last game against Burundi with Janine Van Wyk being handed her first start in the tournament.

Refiloe Jane, who was best player in the last game, was relegated to the bench with Kholosa Mthikazi Biyana taking her place.

Bambanani Mbane also returned to the starting eleven having taken the place of Noko Alice Matlou.

Despite their defeat to South Africa, Botswana still sailed through to the quarter-finals for the first time as one of the two best third placed best teams.

They managed a 4-2 victory over Burundi in their opening group match which earned them three points and the third spot in Group C.

Soka25east.com