Morocco’s dream of becoming the first Arab nation to win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations ended at the final hurdle with a 2-1 loss against South Africa in Rabat on Saturday, but the nation was proud of their achievements.
All the goals came in the second half. Hildah Magaiah scored for South Africa after an hour and the forward extended the lead to Banayana Banan 10 minutes later. The home team had 50,000 fans at the Prince Moulay Abdullah Stadium after 81 minutes as Rosella Ayane withdrew a goal, but the Atlas Lionesses did not receive a crucial second as South Africa won their first continental title in their sixth final. . Appearance
Despite the defeat, the tournament was a major success on and off the pitch, with Morocco by far the best-performing Arab team in 14 editions of the competition, and more importantly qualifying for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. to achieve, which is another first time in the Arab world.
Moroccan coach Renald Pedros spoke for many after the game.
“He gave it his best but it was not enough,” said the Frenchman. “I am extremely proud of my team. They have achieved so much. They have respected the shirt and respected the supporters. We will deal with defeat, but we are not disappointed with our path to the championship.”
South Africa deserved the win and Moroccan defender Hane et al-Hajj almost took the lead in the first half before both teams pulled Magia off the line in just the fourth minute.
It was the closest team to come in the first half as the hosts were pinned back and Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Ramichi had to come out of his line quickly to deny a busy Magaiah seven minutes before the break.
The deadlock was finally broken after only an hour. Jermaine Seposhenwe pulled the ball back for Magiya, freed on the left, and the South Korean star found the net with a low shot.
South Africa doubled their lead after 71 minutes. Morocco failed to tackle Carabo Dlamini’s cross from the left, allowing Magaiya to try and finish close enough to virtually silence the home supporters.
Still with 10 minutes to go, fans once again raised their voices as Ayane pulled back a goal. Fatima Tagnaut squares the ball from the left side of the field to bury the ball in the bottom corner for the Tottenham star.
This caused the South African to retreat deeper and deeper but despite pressure and nine minutes of extra time, Morocco was unable to obtain the all-important equalizer against the determined South African team.
“The players showed resilience,” said South African coach Desiree Ellis. “They wanted the trophy so badly. We played great football in the 2018 tournament but we didn’t come home with medals. I want to take my hat off to all the players.”
Despite the disappointment for the hosts, the tournament still feels like a turning point for women’s football in Morocco.
“Morocco is not in the final by chance,” said Ellis. “He started his program sometime back. They have a two-tier professional league. They have a national league for under-17s. They have brought in a coach who has won league titles in France and the Champions League, and they have a great friendship against top teams.
Morocco thrilled the country with their exploits, culminating in a dramatic semi-final win against Nigeria that put the team on the front and back pages for the first time in history. This passionate football nation has now embraced the Atlas Lioness with players from household names.
Captain Ghizlain Chebak certainly is. She was named as the player of the tournament.
“At the beginning of the competition no one believed us,” Chebak said. “But I’m proud that we’ve been able to change people’s perceptions. All the players are happy that women’s football has attracted so many people and we’re glad we’ve been able to reach fans who have watched us play. And the effort we put in on the field.”
There is still a lot of international action for Morocco as the next tournament is really big.
“Now is the time to prepare for the 2023 World Cup,” said coach Pedros, who spoke to King Mohammed VI after the game. “There were no weak teams in the African Nations Cup, but the World Cup will be more difficult.”
The country will see once again.