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CAF
2 hours ago
- Sport
- CAF
D-2 before the Women's AFCON: 50,000 Hearts Beating as One in Rabat
Published: Thursday, 03 July 2025 The countdown is in full swing as the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024, draws near. To mark the 13th edition of the competition, is revisiting iconic moments that have defined the tournament's rich history. With just two days to go, we look back on an unforgettable evening — the record-breaking final of the 2022 edition at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in just 2 days. On 23 July 2022, Morocco faced South Africa in the final of 'its' WAFCON, in a charged, electric atmosphere. A crowd of 50,000 packed the stands — an unprecedented turnout in the history of African women's football. Never before had a WAFCON final drawn such a massive audience inside a single stadium. 'What I experienced that night is something I will never forget. The energy from the crowd, the songs, the flags… It was beautiful, it was powerful,' recalled Atlas Lionesses captain Ghizlane Chebbak, who was later named Player of the Tournament. That evening, 50,000 hearts beat in unison, driven by the hope of seeing Morocco claim its first continental title. Under the guidance of Reynald Pedros, the Moroccan side had already made history by becoming the first North African nation to reach the WAFCON final. But standing in their way were the determined Banyana Banyana of South Africa, led by Hildah Magaia and head coach Desiree Ellis, also eyeing a maiden crown. What followed was a gripping, hard-fought contest. In the end, it was South Africa who emerged victorious, edging Morocco 2-1 thanks to a brace from Magaia. Despite the heartbreak, Morocco walked away from the tournament with pride. The team had proven that women's football could rally entire nations, ignite emotion, and inspire lasting change. 'What we witnessed in 2022 went beyond football. It was a movement — a celebration of women's football, a turning point for our continent,' Desiree Ellis said after the final. As the 2024 edition approaches, the image of a packed stadium in Rabat still echoes across African football. It stands as a powerful reminder that WAFCON has entered a new era — driven by passionate fans, inspiring players, and unstoppable momentum for recognition and growth. Morocco is ready to write a new chapter.
IOL News
14 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
No Kgatlana, seniors will have to carry Banyana Banyana WAFCON hopes in Morocco
Desiree Ellis Banyana coach Desiree Ellis will have to do without a few key players from the last tournament. Photo: AFP Image: AFP South Africa's title defence begins under different conditions, but the ambition remains the same: to return home with the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) trophy. Banyana Banyana will once again be tested by the best on the continent, and with talisman Thembi Kgatlana not part of the squad, Desiree Ellis will be banking on a trusted core to carry the load. It's a squad built on continuity — with 17 players returning from the 2022 triumph — but the pressure is heavier, and the margins thinner. Five players, in particular, will be central to whether Banyana can go all the way. Refiloe Jane – Captain, controller & conductor One of three co-captains named by Ellis, Jane remains the metronome in midfield. Her intelligence and positional awareness make her more than just a playmaker — she's a tactical compass. After missing last year's World Cup through injury, the 31-year-old returns with a point to prove and a title to defend. When Banyana need to settle, build or recover, Jane is the one they'll look to. Her leadership and ability to read the game will be vital in navigating the group stages and beyond. Kaylin Swart – The safe hands in goal Goalkeeper Kaylin Swart of South Africa is expected top play a key role in Banyana's Wafcon defence. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix While both Swart and Andile Dlamini were named in the final squad, it's the JVW goalkeeper who takes over as first-choice between the sticks this time around. Swart has quietly worked her way into the No.1 jersey and now carries the weight of expectation heading into Morocco. She'll be tasked with marshalling the defence and maintaining calm in high-pressure moments. Her shot-stopping, command in the air, and distribution have improved significantly — and in a tournament where one mistake can end a campaign, Swart's form could prove decisive. Linda Motlhalo – The creative key Banyana Banyana's Linda Maserame Motlhalo scores a penalty during their 2022 Womens Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match against Zambia in Casablanca FILE - Banyana Banyana's Linda Maserame Motlhalo scores a penalty during their 2022 Womens Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match against Zambia in Casablanca. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix Motlhalo is the one who adds rhythm and flair to Banyana's attack. Dubbed the 'Randfontein Ronaldinho', her ability to operate between the lines and deliver that final pass makes her irreplaceable. She was a standout in Morocco over two years ago, and with Kgatlana absent, there'll be even more on her shoulders this time around. If South Africa are going to create and convert chances, Motlhalo will almost certainly be involved. Whether from open play or set-pieces, she brings the x-factor. Hildah Magaia – The Main Goal Threat Banyana Banyana striker Hildah Magaia in action against Italy at the last world cup. Picture: Marty MELVILLE / AFP Image: AFP She scored the goals that sealed South Africa's first-ever WAFCON crown. Now, with Kgatlana unavailable, Magaia becomes the team's central goal threat. The forward, who plies her trade in Mexico with Club Tijuana, has shown an ability to rise in big moments — and Ellis will need her to do it again. Magaia thrives on movement, precision, and timing. If she finds early rhythm, she could end the tournament among the top scorers. Bongeka Gamede – The Shield and Stabiliser Bongeka Gamede of Banyana believes the women's senior national team are on the right track to defend their Wafcon title. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Goalie Swart ready to keep it clean for Banyana in Wafcon defence
Goalkeeper Kaylin Swart of South Africa is expected top play a key role in Banyana's Wafcon defence. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Banyana Banyana are set to embark on another historic journey as they prepare to defend their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco. With just days to go before their opening fixture, Desiree Ellis's side will be looking to build on a remarkable run of recent success. Having claimed their first-ever WAFCON title in 2022 — beating hosts Morocco 2-1 in the final — Banyana have transformed into one of the continent's most formidable teams. That historic triumph was followed by another milestone in 2023, when they became the first South African senior national side, men or women, to reach the last 16 of a Fifa World Cup. They bowed out after a hard-fought 2–0 defeat to The Netherlands at the 2023 Women's World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Their return to Morocco for this year's continental showpiece presents another chance to add to their growing legacy. They will begin their title defence against Ghana next Monday, a match-up that marks the start of what promises to be another compelling campaign. Despite their preparations being overshadowed by lingering pay disputes, the quality and experience in the squad will once again see them as one of the favourites in the tournament. Recent friendly matches against Botswana and Zambia have offered coach Ellis the opportunity to fine-tune her tactics and test the depth of her squad. The positive outcomes from those matches should offer some confidence ahead of the tournament. One of the key figures in the squad is experienced goalkeeper Kaylin Swart, who was part of both the 2022 WAFCON and 2023 World Cup campaigns. African champions Banyana Banyana hard at work at training ahead of the WAFCON. Jermaine Seoposenwe arrived and watched her colleagues going through their paces.#LiveTheImpossible @SABC_Sport — Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) June 29, 2025 She believes the team's return to familiar North African territory will work in their favor and the pressure of being defending champions will not get to them. 'Pressure is a privilege, and when our backs are against the wall, that is when we perform,' Swart said, ahead of the start of the tournament. 'There is a little bit of pressure being champions because the title holds a lot of weight. But I know once we start the tournament, that pressure will not get to us. 'It's such great memories in Morocco. We were in Rabat in 2022, and now we're in Casablanca, but yeah, the feeling is the same. We're very excited to be here because it's familiar territory for us, and hopefully all that excitement can come back from 2022, and hopefully we can do it again. 'Now we have got to obviously write a new book, and there's a lot more to be done, but if we can repeat history, that would be great. It's not going to be easy, but yes, 2024 (2025) might just be a really good chapter for us,' she added.
Daily Maverick
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
‘One day at a time' — Banyana Banyana sharpen focus on journey to defend Wafcon title
Desiree Ellis's team is targeting a historic Women's Africa Cup of Nations title defence on Moroccan soil after lifting the trophy in 2022. Banyana Banyana are in uncharted territory. For the first time they are heading to a major tournament as defending champions. It is pressure with which the South Africans are not acquainted, but they are embracing it as they continue to carve out a path for future generations. Banyana Banyana won the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), the first time they were crowned champions of Africa despite being one of the best teams on the continent for an extended period. With this hurdle cleared, the team is aiming to create more history. In the more than three-decade history of the Wafcon, Banyana became just the third team to win the tournament three years ago, following in the footsteps of Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. The Nigerians won the first seven editions of the continental showpiece before Equatorial Guinea snapped this dominance in 2008. Then Nigeria won it again two years later, before Equatorial Guinea triumphed for a second time in 2012. After that it was Nigerian dominance once more until South Africa snapped the monotony. If Banyana Banyana win this year's Morocco-hosted spectacle, they will join the two nations as multi-African champions. Flying start This all starts on Monday, 7 July when the defending champions take on Ghana in their opening group C game. They will then tussle with Tanzania four days later, before closing off the group campaign with a battle against Mali on 14 July. 'We are going to take it one day at a time. If we think too far ahead, we will lose focus on what's at hand. So, we will put everything towards that first game to make sure we get a positive result. Then we'll go to the next one and the next one,' said Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis. 'We have told the players that, yes, we are the defending champions. But we also said that we are contenders, like everybody else. Everyone going to this tournament has an ambition to win it and we are no different.' 'It's a difficult group because no team is easy to play,' said Banyana Banyana captain Refiloe Jane, 'especially on the African continent. We are hoping that in the first game against Ghana we can set the tone [for the rest of the tournament]. Then we will take one game at a time.' Ellis added: 'We are under no illusions about the target on our back. But the experience of having been there and knowing how to get over that hurdle will [stand] us in good stead, even though it's a newish squad.' Thembi Kgatlana's absence Experienced players such as midfield maestros Jane and Linda Motlhalo, defender Bambanani Mbane, goalkeepers Andile Dlamini and Kaylin Swart, as well as forwards Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hildah Magaia, will be the bedrock of the team. Seoposenwe (who will retire from international soccer at the end of Wafcon) and Magaia will be particularly crucial in the absence of fellow sharpshooter Thembi Kgatlana. The former African footballer of the year has excused herself from national duty for 'personal reasons'. 'We know the capabilities of Thembi and what she offers to the team. It's going to be a big loss for the team. But we also have other players who have to step up and try to do well in that position. We have to go out there and play as a team, to fight for each other to hopefully retain the trophy,' Jane said. Despite the setback of losing Kgatlana, the South Africans are confident that the team will be able to navigate the demands of the tournament all the way to the final again. They are also hopeful that they can deliver another Wafcon triumph to send off Seoposenwe on a winning note. 'We have seen Jermaine out in Mexico and what she's done. We have seen what she's done for the national team and she's currently in good scoring form. Hopefully she can keep that form [at the Wafcon]. But a big thank you to Jermaine. She's always come in and given her best, raising the level. Hopefully we can give her a good sendoff,' said Ellis. Fresh faces Although they have stagnated in recent years, 11-time African champions Nigeria remain the biggest threat to Banyana Banyana's ambitions. Morocco – who South Africa vanquished 2-1 in the final to clinch a maiden continental title three years ago – can't be underestimated either. The same is true for Zambia, who earned a bronze medal at the previous Wafcon instalment. Kgatlana's absence has opened up a spot for the young players in the Banyana Banyana fold. Teenagers such as JVW's Bonolo Mokoma and zippy winger Adrielle Mibe will be hungry to show what they can do in the absence of one of the continent's most lethal strikers. Another new face in the team is the University of the Western Cape's Ronnel Donnelly. The 21-year-old striker has undoubtedly been included for physical presence against robust defenders. Young goalkeeper Casey Gordon and striker Nthabiseng Majiya will not travel with the squad, but will be on standby. 'I had conversations with them when they came to camp and some of them were extremely nervous,' said Ellis of the fresh faces in the team. 'I told them that we selected them based on what we see and we don't want them to do anything different. But we want them to take what we've seen to the next level.' With African nations focusing more and more on women's soccer, this edition of the Wafcon (5 to 26 July) promises to increase the competitiveness seen in previous editions. All 12 participating teams are hungry to showcase their growth from the past few years. DM This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
The Herald
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald
Banyana on strike ahead of Wafcon in Morocco over unpaid wages
Banyana Banyana have gone on a strike from training in Morocco in their build-up to their kickoff to the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) on July 7 over alleged unpaid wages from the South African Football Association (Safa). This was confirmed to TimeLIVE by a source close to the team who did not want to be named on Saturday. In a shocking development for the defending champions, who lifted the trophy in the last tournament, also in Morocco, in 2022, coach Desiree Ellis' team has apparently not trained since Thursday after arriving in the North African country on Wednesday. This is yet another disastrous build-up to a major tournament for the women's national team, who play their first match of this year's Wafcon against Ghana at Honor Stadium in Oujda in nine days' time.
