WAFCON FINAL: BAYANA BAYANA DEFEATS MOROCC0 2-1 WIN FIRST WOMEN AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS
South African female national team Bayana Bayana clinched Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time defeating host Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses 2-1 in Rabat, Saturday.
The Bayana Bayana who had been unlucky reaching the final losing in four occasions in 2000, 2008, 2012 and 2018, proved their attacking intent in the early minutes of the first with Hilda Magaia attempt shot in the box but was cleared by the opponent.
With heroine of the match Magaia constant threat for the South Africa in attack, the Atlas Lionesses had to quickly respond having good possession in midfield. The Moroccans ladies created opportunities but did not convert their chances to goal. The first half ended with both teams playing with a bit of caution in closing minutes of the first half.
On resumption of the second stanza Magaia continued her drive to the opponent half and midway into the second half she found back of the net over the line with two quick goals. The effort of Jermaine Seoposenwe’s cutback obviously exposed the Moroccan defense for Magaia to take advantage in the box to increase the goal to a brace in the 71 minutes.
Although, Atlas Lionesses had increased their momentum before the second goal. They pulled one back through Rosella Ayane. But in spite of the persistent pressure from Moroccan players and the support of the home fans at the Stadium in Rabat, South Africa was able to hold on to their one goal advantage to win their first Continent title.
The Bayana Bayana on route to the final had an impeccable record winning all five matches including 2-1 defeat of the Super Falcons in their Group C game. With the result, the South Africa dethrones Nigeria as the African Champion and will wear the African Queens crown at the FIFA Women’s World Cup next year.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Coach Desiree Ellis feels satisfied with the performance of her team, this puts her defeat in 2018 against Nigeria’s Super Falcons behind seeing Bayana Bayana silence the home fans in the 53,000- seater stadium. She affirmed they are Africa Champions and no one take that away!