Heartbreak as Morocco loses to South Africa in WAFCON final

Underdog finalists and WAFCON hosts Morocco lost out in a heartbreaking finale to South Africa on Saturday evening, in front of packed stands in Rabat and Moroccans watching worldwide. 

After beating the competition favourites Nigeria in dramatic fashion during the semi finals, the ‘Atlas lionesses’ succumbed during a tense affair where moments of magic and defensive breakdowns brought the game to life in the second half. 

Two goals in quick succession by the South Africans exploiting uncertainty at the back put the game beyond Morocco’s grasp at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium.

With less than 10 minutes to go, England-born Tottenham forward Rosella Ayane clawed one back for the Atlas lionesses, but it was too late to turn the game around. 

Despite the loss, the stadium was united in congratulating the North African team on making the final for the very first time. 

Scenes from Rabat show packed crowds getting behind their team as the Moroccan stars continued their fine run of form which saw them breeze through the group stages of the tournament. 

اجواء حماسية بالمركب الرياضي الأمير مولاي عبد الله خلال المباراة النهائية لكأس إفريقيا للأمم سيدات بين المنتخبين المغربي و الجنوب افريقي.@Anarooz1 @twittahanim81 @NoorAulad @nouhay_la @basma48052491 @Basma28574612 @justeellememe1 @Basma_el_hijri pic.twitter.com/fIbpJLXWl5

— عمي بوجمعة (@3ami_boujam3a) July 23, 2022

The Lionesses have been praised throughout the tournament for producing spectacular performances, which have guaranteed them a place at next year’s World Cup, taking place in Australia and New Zealand. 

The semi-final against Nigeria was attended by a record breaking audience in Casablanca as 45,562 fans flocked to watch the game. 

But the record stood only for a few days before over 53,000 spectators made their way to Rabat to watch Morocco take on South Africa in their first WAFCON final ever. 

South Africa, for their part, has lost its previous four finals - in 2000, 2008, 2012, and 2018. 

The tournament has raised the profile of women’s football across the continent, with increased prize money, bigger crowds and greater television coverage than ever before.