Saturday, July 23
•Morocco 1-2 South Africa
South Africa beat hosts Morocco to finally win their first ever Women Africa Cup of Nations title in a thrilling final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Striker Hildah Magaia scored both goals for Banyana Banyana while Rosella Ayane brought one back for Morocco.
South Africa opened the scores when Magaia tapped home after Jermaine Seoposenwe’s neat cut-back.
They later doubled their advantage with Magaia scoring with an exquisite dink when Karabo Dhlamini’s cross from the left beat Morocco’s defence.
The Atlas Lionesses brought one back when Ayane swept in with 10 minutes on clock after they benefited from a defensive lapse from South Africa’s defence.
But Morocco couldn’t thread any good attack from thereafter before referee Salima Mukansanga blow the final whistle.
It was a good show and deserved win for Desiree Ellis’ charges who beat Zambia and Tunisia in the semis and quarterfinals earlier.
They had topped Group C with maximum points after beating Nigeria, Botswana and Burundi and hence finish the tournament unbeaten having conceded just three goals.
It’s the maiden title for South Africa who were playing their sixth final after losses in 1995, 2000, 2008 2012 and 2018.
South Africa join Nigeria (11) and Equatorial Guinea (2) as the only three sides to have won the Women AFCON.
Zambia’s Copper Queens beat Nigeria 1-0 in the earlier Bronze match, and all the four semifinalists will represent the Continent at the 2023 Women World Cup in Australia/New Zealand.
