South Korea-based striker Linda Magaia scored twice in a space of eight minutes in the second half to lead the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana to their first ever TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy.
The two goals just after the hour mark saw South Africa defeat hosts Morocco 2-1 at a packed Prince Moulay Adbellah Stadium in Rabat on Saturday (23 July).
The North Africans replied through Rosella Ayane in the 80th minute, leading to a nervy finish as Morocco pushed back with Banyana Banyana defending with everything they had – more so after nine minutes were added at the end of the regulation 90 minutes.
The victory ended South Africa winless streak in five finals – 1995, 2000, 2008, 2012 and 2018.
It also meant they are the third team to win the tournament after Nigeria (9) and Equatorial Guinea (2).
They are also the first to win the competition after an unbeaten run – they won all their six matches in Morocco.
2-1 vs Nigeria (Jermaine Seoposenwe & Hilda Magaia)
3-1 vs Burundi (Thembi Kgatlana, Amogelang Motau & Linda Motlhalo)
1-0 vs Botswana (Nthabiseng Majiya)
1-0 vs Tunisia (Jermaine Seoposenwe)
1-0 vs Zambia (Linda Motlhalo)
2-1 vs Morocco (Hilda Magaia x2)
Banyana Banyana scored 10 goals in six matches with six different goal scorers – Magaia ending top of the pack with three strikes to her name, while Seoposenwe and Motlhalo grabbed two each.
This is a also a great victory for head coah Desiree Ellis who lost in the final back in 2000 as a player, and also in 2018 as a coach – but her determination saw her grab gold in 2022.
After a lacklustre first half both teams could not be separated as it remained goalless at the break.
But the visitors brought their A-game in the second stanza to stun the hosts in the 63rdminute.
A pass from defender Bambanani Mbane was met by Seoposenwe who brushed off the attention of her marker, and cut back to Magaia who just had to tap into the net to give Banyana Banyana the lead and silence the crowd in Rabat.
Magaia was not done however.
She then combined with Karabo Dhlamini, who floated in a cross from the left and when the Moroccan defence failed to clear, Magaia grabbed her second in the 71st minute.
The hosts however staged a fightback and a lapse in concentration saw them reduce the deficit.
Defender Lebohang Ramalepe lost the ball and Morocco punished South Africa to make it 2-1 with 10 minutes left on the clock.
It turned out to be the longest period for Banyana Banyana as they held on to be confirmed the new Queens of the Africa continent.
To add to their success, goalkeeper Andile Dlamini was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament, with Banyana Banyana walking away with two other trophies – National Team of the Year as well as the Fair Play Award.
By Matlhomola Morake
