WAFCON D-18: South Africa reverses its fate

The countdown continues for the CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024. As anticipation builds for the tournament's 13th edition, CAFOnline.com looks back at some of the most memorable moments in the competition’s history. Today, we spotlight South Africa’s historic triumph in the 2022 edition.

Just 18 days to go until the 2024 CAF TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Four times finalists, four times broken. But in Rabat, on July 23, 2022, South Africa broke the curse. 

Banyana Banyana finally lifted their first Women's Africa Cup of Nations by dominating the host country, Morocco (2-1). A liberating victory, awaited for more than 20 years, in an electric atmosphere.

"This title is for all those who have failed before us," said Desiree Ellis, her eyes misty, after the final. The former captain, who became coach in 2016, symbolises the perseverance of a group that has often stumbled to the top (1995, 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018). This time, the march held.

Hildah Magaia, impeccable in the last move, was the detonator. A brace in eight minutes (63rd, 71st) to blow up Moroccan hopes. Rosella Ayane's equaliser (80') did not change anything: South Africa finally had their star. 

"We had a plan. And above all, we were furious," confided Magaia, icy in her efficiency.

The 2022 AFCON was one of control: 6 wins in 6 games, 7 goals scored, only 3 conceded. A solid collective, carried by the Magaia-Kgatlana duo (5 goals between them), a disciplined defence, and a goalkeeper, Andile Dlamini, voted best of the tournament.

More than a coronation, it is a deliverance. South Africa is no longer chasing its destiny. She holds it.