S’Africa beat Morocco to win first WAFCON title

Hildah Magaia scored twice in eight minutes after the hour mark to hand South Africa a first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title as they beat hosts Morocco 2-1 in a grueling final in Rabat on Saturday.

It ended a run of five finals without success for Banyana Banyana, who completed the tournament in Morocco with a 100 per cent record, as well as securing qualification to next year’s Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand

Magaia tapped in an excellent cutback from Jermaine Seoposenwe, who ran onto a loose ball to create the opening goal as she held off her marker to provide an excellent pass in the 63rd minute.

It took the sting out of a frenzied atmosphere at the sold-out Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium, where only weeks earlier South Africa’s men had lost to Morocco in a Cup of Nations qualifier.

Magaia then doubled the lead in the 71st minute with another close finish, this time from a cross out wide from Karabo Dhlamini, which Morocco’s defence failed to deal with.

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But a lapse in concentration saw Banyana lose possession and offered Morocco hope of a comeback as Rosella Ayane pulled one back in the 80th minute after being set up by Fatima Tagnaout.

It meant an anxious last 10 minutes for Desiree Ellis’ team – plus another nine minutes of referee’s time added on – before they could get their hands on the trophy.