South Africa claims first WAFCON title with win against Morocco

After years of disappointment, South Africa captured its first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, downing Morocco 2-1 in Saturday’s final.

Hildah Magaia notched a second-half brace to put South Africa ahead before the team weathered a late push from Morocco to secure the victory. A lively crowd filled the 53,000-seat Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, with South Africa keeping their poise despite the raucous fans.

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Saturday marked redemption for South Africa after losing in its four previous Africa Cup of Nations finals dating back to 2000.

“To finally get to this point meant a lot for everyone. When the final whistle went out, I was crying. It was the most humbling and emotional experience,” captain Refiloe Jane told BBC Sport Africa after the match. “I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much after a football match – that goes to show our journey, everything that we had to go through and things have finally come together.”

South Africa’s title secures the team a spot in the 2023 World Cup, with Morocco and Zambia joining the winners in Australia and New Zealand as the representatives from the Africa Cup of Nations.