Banyana Banyana have won their first CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title after defeating Morocco 2-1 at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Saturday night.
Hildah Magaia scored a brace for South Africa, while Rosella Ayane scored the consolation goal for the hosts.
Banyana are the first team to win all their six matches at the prestigious tournament.
This was South Africa’s sixth final in the history of the competition. On records, out of the last five WAFCON finals that Banyana have played, three were against Nigeria of which the West Africans went to win all of them.
Magaia opened the scoring in the 63rd minute, thanks to Jermaine Seoposenwe’s beautiful cutback assist.
South Africa continued to work themselves downfield, piling pressure on the home side- searching for a second goal.
Magaia, who made no mistake from close range, finally doubled the lead in the 71st minute with a cross from Karabo Dhlamini.
In the 80th minute, Ayane pulled one back for Morocco from Fatima Tagnaout’s assist.
Desiree Ellis’ charges should have won the showpiece by a higher margin, given the number of chances they wasted in the final third.
Meanwhile, Banyana and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies shot-stopper Andile Dlamini walked away with the Goalkeeper of the Tournament, whereas Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak picked up the Player of the Tournament.
To put a cherry on top, South Africa were named the CAF Women’s National Team of the Year, and secured qualification to next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
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