\n<\/p>\n
Questions had been asked of how the holders would fare at the start of their title defence amidst some behind-the-scenes rows in the South Africa camp over non-payment of player salaries and the decision of star Thembi Kgatlana to miss the tournament for personal reasons.<\/p>\n
However, coach Desiree Ellis will no doubt be pleased with a convincing performance against the West Africans.<\/p>\n
Motlhalo was cool and calm from the spot, slotting home into the bottom-right corner, and Seoposenwe, who will retire from international football after the tournament, added a clinical first-time finish.<\/p>\n
The Black Queens were denied clear-cut chances in the first half, and the closest they came to scoring was when Asantewaa tried an ambitious long-range shot in the 40th minute and forced a save at full stretch from South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.<\/p>\n
Ghana improved after the break, showing more purpose and composure in their play, yet Seoposenwe passed up two openings to increase South Africa’s lead.<\/p>\n
First the forward shot straight at Konlan following a breakaway and just after the hour mark a one-on-one went to waste after she was played in by Motlhalo’s weighted pass.<\/p>\n
The second of those chances came soon after Kusi’s shot rebounded off a post with Dlamini beaten, and Ghana substitute Princess Marfo then forced an alert save from the South Africa keeper.<\/p>\n
The West Africans were denied by the post for a second time in the 77th minute as Comfort Yeboah’s cross was met by Badu.<\/p>\n
Next up for Kim Bjorkegren’s side is an outing against Mali on Friday, with South Africa facing Tanzania later the same day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n