• African football

South Africa beats Morocco to seal first-ever WAFCON title

South Africa at WAFCON 2022
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Banyana Banyana claimed the title by winning all of their matches in the tournament.

South Africa won their maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title on Saturday. 

Bayana Bayana continued their perfect run in the tournament by snatching a 2-1 win over Morocco. Hildah Magaia was the game’s heroine, scoring a brace to secure South Africa’s win in the final.

South Africa went ahead 2-0 after their strong start to the second period. The Atlas Lionessess pushed hard to get back into the game in the final 20 minutes. 

They got back into the game when Rosella Ayane scored their only goal of the night in the 80th minute. But, it was too late for the hosts to find the equalizer, with South Africa holding on to their lead.

Bayana Bayana won all of their games during this year’s tournament, ending Nigeria’s run of three consecutive titles.

“Honestly, it has not yet dawned on us that we are African champions,” South Africa’s captain Refiloe Jane said after the game (via CAF).

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“This feels like a dream to us. I know eventually when we sit down, we shall realize that it is actually true. 

“When we look back at the journey, it is going to be a tough one. When I lifted the trophy, there was so much going through my mind. 

“This is big for us, for our Women’s Football. I cannot wait to get back home. 

“They have been supporting us since day one. Today, we saw a united South Africa. It is something that we had hoped for. 

“We wanted to bring hope and bring back smiles to South Africans. We are grateful for the support that they have shown to us.”

Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak became the Player of the Tournament while also sharing the Golden Boot with South Africa’s Hilda Magaia.

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