WeeklySA_AdminCUL-DE-SAC: President Ramaphosa consoles a dejected SA as they fail to retain CAF Women’s Africa Cup championship
By Jo-Mangaliso Mdhlela
Host nation Morocco will face Nigeria in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after beating Ghana on penalties.
The two giants meet tonight (Saturday) with the game schedule to kick off at 9pm.
There is no doubt that the two power-house will battle it out with gusto for the prestigious Confederation of African Football’s (CAF’s) championship.
The final, sponsored by Total Energies, is scheduled for Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco – and becomes the 13th TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final.
Morocco prevailed 4-2 on penalties against Ghana on Tuesday. The Super Falcons defeated defending champions South Africa 2-1 in the earlier semifinal on Tuesday in Casablanca.
But sadly, the defending champion, Banyana Banyana returns home empty-handed. Yesterday, on Friday, they were booted out of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations by Ghana, defeating them on 4-3 on penalties to claim the bronze medal after regulation time ended 1-1 at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Friday. Which means Banyana have finished on a disappointing fourth place.
Banyana were not at their best at the event as they relinquished their title after their triumph in the same country, Morocco, three years ago.
A bronze medal would have served as a consolation for Banyana, dedication for Gabriela Salgado, who is injured, and farewell gesture for Jermaine Seoposenwe, now retiring from international football. But it wasn’t to be.
Banyana had come into this match high on confidence, despite losing 2-1 to Nigeria in the semi-final, having beaten Ghana 2-0 in the opening.
As such, coach Desiree Ellis had made five changes to the team that lost to the Super Falcons, resting some players and giving others a chance.
Before the encounter on Friday, coach Desiree Ellis was full of praise for her team despite missing out on a spot in the final of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
But despite the disappointment, President Cyril Ramaphosa, and notwithstanding his busy schedule, sent words of consolation to Salgado – and to Banyana Banyana – wishing her a speedy recovery, and for the squad, better luck next time.
“Today our thoughts are with Banyana Banyana’s as we wish her a speedy recovery from a traumatic injury.
“I know you are a woman of deep and public faith, Gabriela, and you are a woman of bravery and skill on the pitch. The nation wishes you well.
“We are confident Banyana Banyana will regroup and return to WAFCON as future champions,” said Ramaphosa,
The defeat meant that the squad relinquished their title as the continental defending champions.
After an energy-sapping and nerve-wrecking 120 minutes of extra-time plus penalties against Senegal in the quarterfinals, the South Africans went toe-to-toe with the Super Falcons in the last four on Tuesday at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
Banyana Banyana lost 2-1 to the Nigerians thanks to goals from captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Michelle Alozie, while South Africa pulled one back through Linda Motlhalo from the penalty spot. The defeat ended their 15-match unbeaten streak in open play in the WAFCON – all the matches were under Dr Ellis.
The West Africans found their winner after a long stoppage following the medical attention given to Salgado.
She was whisked in a stretcher to a local hospital in Casablanca.
Despite the loss a match where they enjoyed ball possession advantage – 266 to 166, little lapses caused them victory, with Salgado’s adding to the weakened striking force.
“I think we didn’t take our chances – we had a quite a few as well. Jermaine (Seoposenwe) was in on goal, Hilda (Magaia) was in on goal, Nox (Noxolo Cesane) was also in on goal before they even scored their second goal.
“I thought we didn’t look like a team that went 120 minutes (against Senegal). We went toe-to-toe (with Nigeria), we gave as good as they gave but unfortunately, they got the two goals and that’s what it’s about,” said Ellis.
“But I’m really proud of this team. I think after that injury, I don’t know what it is yet but after that injury I think it took us a while to get going again and I think maybe that’s the reason why we conceded at the time we conceded.”
Nigeria travel to Rabat to face Morocco today in final.
Banyana Banyana bagged the opening goal against the run of play as Ghanaian goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan was pressured by Jermaine Seoposenwe in her 112th and final appearance for Banyana, sending the ball into the path of Nonhlanhla Mthandi, who slotted the ball into an empty net from edge of the box.
Ghana continued asking questions of South Africa’s defence, with substitute Evelyn Badu’s header going wide of the mark in the 56th minute in another let-off for Banyana. Badu missed another headed opportunity in the 65th minute, her effort drifting wide of the post.
The Black Queens drew level in the 68th min, as Andile Dlamini could not stop Kusi’s header and Bongeka Gamede’s attempt to clear the ball off the line landed in the top of the net.
In the 83rd minute, Seoposenwe set up Mbane with a header, but she could not poke the ball into the net from close range.
