STAFF REPORTER|
SOUTH Africa’s Banyana Banyana beat Morocco 2-1 on Saturday to win their first WAFCON title at the fifth time of asking.
Hildah Magaia scored twice for South Africa in the first half and while semi-final hero Rosella Ayane pulled a late goal back late, Desiree Ellis’ side held on to secure a historic victory.
Having previously reached the final of the competition on four occasions, the South Africans finally got their hands on the trophy at the fifth attempt.
After a goalless first half, Magaia broke the deadlock just after the hour mark and then got her name on the scoresheet again eight minutes later.
With 10 minutes left on the clock, the hosts pulled one back Rossela Ayane, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur Ladies in England. The goal gave Moroccan supporters hope that they would level matters, as the hosts started putting more pressure on the South Africans, who kept clearing the ball to safety at every opportunity they got.
Nine minutes of stoppage time were added as Morocco pushed forward to try to get an equalizer, but Banyana Banyana held on doggedly for the victory.
Morocco’s semi-final against Nigeria had delivered a record-breaking attendance of 45,000 but this match bettered that figure, with a partisan crowd of some 60,000 at the Stade Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
Though the official attendance for the final is yet to be confirmed, it has been reported by sources that this was the biggest crowd in WAFCON history.
The stadium was packed hours before kick-off and a number of people online were quick to praise the atmosphere of the crowd, despite Morocco succumbing to defeat.
Fans react to ‘insane’ atmosphere
Sharing a clip of the crowd on Twitter, one fan wrote: “The definition of intimidating support resides in the North. Only a few teams (Men/Women) can withstand this tremor.”
Meanwhile, BBC World Football journalist Osasu Obayiuwana tweeted: “I stand to be corrected, but I think the 60,000 crowd in #Rabat is the biggest crowd in #WAFCON history. Or for any women’s football match in #Africa.”
Another stated: “The atmosphere in Morocco for the WAFCON Final has been incredible.”
Many others echoed this sentiment, with one stressing: “The atmosphere is electrifying now!! Morocco supporters are singing their lungs out.”
Some enjoyed the atmosphere so much that they even suggested all tournaments be held in Morocco in the future.
“The atmosphere in Morocco is fire. Every Continental final for CAF football should be hosted there.”
Additional reporting by News Agencies
