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Reigning CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations champions South Africa were dominant in their 4-0 demolition of Mali to seal top spot in Group C in Morocco on Monday night.
Banyana Banyana's superb performance secured their place in the knockout stages of the competition.
The South Africans started brightly, wasting no time in asserting their authority. Lebohang Ramalepe opened the scoring with a composed right-footed finish into the top right corner just five minutes in. This set the tone for what would be a long evening for the Malian defence.
They doubled their lead in the 32nd minute when Refiloe Jane curled a sensational free kick into the top left corner, leaving Mali goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao stranded.
The two-goal cushion was a fair reflection of South Africa's attacking intent and midfield control throughout the first half.
After the break, South Africa maintained their pressure and creativity. Hildah Magaia added a third in the 61st minute, slotting home clinically with her left foot after a well-timed through-ball from Karabo Dhlamini.
Substitute Ronnel Donnelly rounded off the scoring in the 78th minute, calmly finishing from the centre of the box following an assist from Nonhlanhla Mthandi.
Mali had their moments, with efforts from Saratou Traore, Aissata Traor, and Fatou Dembele, but they were repeatedly denied by South Africa's stoic defence. Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini also made several key saves to preserve her clean sheet.
Elsewhere in Group C, Ghana booked their place in the playoffs with an emphatic 4-1 win over Tanzania.
The teams went into the break tied at one goal apiece. An Alice Kusi penalty on the second stanza gave Ghana the edge, and late goals from Evelyn Badu and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah sealed the deal for the Black Queens.
