WAFCON final: South Africa beat Morocco in front of record-breaking crowd

South Africa won its first-ever continental women’s title after beating hosts Morocco 2-1 in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. 

Hildah Magaia scored twice for South Africa in the first half and while semi-final hero Rosella Ayane pulled a late goal back late, Desiree Ellis’ side held on to secure a historic victory. 

Morocco’s semi-final against Nigeria had delivered a record-breaking attendance of 45,000 but this match bettered that figure, with a partisan crowd of some 60,000 at the Stade Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat. 

Though the official attendance for the final is yet to be confirmed, it has been reported by sources that this was the biggest crowd in WAFCON history. 

The stadium was packed hours before kick-off and a number of people online were quick to praise the atmosphere of the crowd, despite Morocco succumbing to defeat. 

I stand to be corrected, but I think the 60,000 crowd in #Rabat is the biggest crowd in #WAFCON history. Or for any women’s football match in #Africa. @UsherKomugisha, @cjkaroney, @julietbawuah: Do you know differently? https://t.co/YifcvbFhU9

Sharing a clip of the crowd on Twitter, one fan wrote: “The definition of intimidating support resides in the North. Only a few teams (Men/Women) can withstand this tremor.” ​​

Meanwhile, BBC World Football journalist Osasu Obayiuwana tweeted: “I stand to be corrected, but I think the 60,000 crowd in #Rabat is the biggest crowd in #WAFCON history. Or for any women’s football match in #Africa.”

Another stated: “The atmosphere in Morocco for the WAFCON Final has been incredible.”

Many others echoed this sentiment, with one stressing: “The atmosphere is electrifying now!! Morocco supporters are singing their lungs out.”

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