Banyana Banyana claim first ever Wafcon title

South Africa celebrate with trophy after winning the 2022 Womens Africa Cup of Nations Final between Morocco and South Africa at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco on 23 July 2022 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Jul 24, 2022. 11:00

The South African women’s national team claimed their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, following a 2-1 win over hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium on Saturday night, July 24.

In stepping out to a 52 000 strong crowd in Morocco, the two nations played out to a tense final of the exciting showpiece. After the first-half came to a close with a 0-0 scoreline, three goals were scored in the following 45 minutes.

That said, both teams appeared to have been timid in the opening stages of the game, failing to put a string of passes together.

Playing through the crowd hostility, South Africa managed to infiltrate the Moroccan defence as the half-hour mark approached, creating a couple of goal scoring opportunities in the process. However, the home side endured the pressure.

Banyana attacker Hildah Magaia came close to breaking the deadlock in the 35th minute as Linda Motlhalo found the attacker inside the area with an accurate pass, however her effort was saved by the onrushing goalkeeper.

Magaia put her missed chances behind her just after the hour mark and was the outlet for Banyana’s first goal. In a swift counter-attacking move, Bambanani Mbane collected a loose ball in the South African half and skilfully found Jermaine Seoposenwe who was on the run. The attacker then squared the ball inside the opposition area as Magaia slotted the ball into the back of the net.

Banyana doubled their lead in the 70th minute with a well-constructed passing move that began with the goalkeeper. Magaia doubled her tally on the night and got the better of the Moroccan goalkeeper with a chipped effort.

Morocco pulled one back with 10 minutes to spare courtesy of striker Rosella Ayane, while the home side continued to press on in search of getting a result. In a nervy end to the game for South Africa, coach Desiree Ellis and her charges held on to claim their first Wafcon title.

Result:

Saturday, 24 July

South Africa 2-1 Morocco