
Carrying the Weight of Champions – Hildah Magaia on TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024
Tough group, tougher mentality – South Africa's readiness for battle
Fuelled by determination – Magaia's journey to the top of African Football
As the countdown to the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024begins, all eyes are on Banyana Banyana, the reigning champions looking to defend their crown.
At the heart of their attack is Hildah Magaia, the sharp, composed forward whose heroics helped clinch South Africa's first-ever continental title in 2022. With a mix of confidence and humility, Magaia is once again ready to lead from the front as the team navigates one of the toughest groups in the tournament.
In this exclusive CAFOnline interview, Magaia reflects on the journey since that historic triumph, the evolving spirit within the squad, and the added responsibility of being the team to beat. She also shares her thoughts on the rise of women's football across the continent, her personal goals for the tournament, and words of encouragement for the next generation of aspiring female footballers.
Hildah, you head into the competition as defending champions, how much of a psychological edge do you think this carries?
It carries a lot as everyone will be eyeing to defeat the defending champions. But we are prepared to go again and do what we do best as a team.
CAFOnline.com: You are drawn into one of the toughest groups of the tournament, what do you make of your opponents?
Hildah Magaia: They are indeed tough opponents. They are good teams that have brilliant individuals who are very competitive.
So, it is not going to be an easy one for all of us in that group.
The squad has a few new faces, how have they gelled into the team and how important will this be for the title defense?
The new ones have really been amazing, and they have fit in so well. I'm certain they are having a great time being with the team and give it their all for the nation.
You will be defending the title on the very same nation that you lifted it, how much of a factor is this?
It is a huge factor for us. This means more load over our shoulders as we want to do it again here. It obviously will not be easy but it's crucial for us to remain focus.
Women's football has evolved significantly over the years, what have you made of this growth?
It really shows that we have come from far away, and we are still going far in terms of the game. Players are really evolving, and they show hunger for success in football.
Talking about your personal performance, you had one of the most remarkable performances at this tournament, what are your personal goals?
To remain resilient, give it my best and help my nation retain the glory. I want to do well for my country and continue to inspire the next generation of players who dream of playing for the national team.
You have grown into one of the best footballers on the continent, what can you attribute this exceptional growth to?
I would say determination. I believe that I gave it my all when it comes to the game. I was and still determined in what I do no matter the circumstances. Playing football requires determination and continued hard work and that is what I continue doing, which helps my performance.
Your closing words of advice to young aspiring women footballers who will be watching the WAFCON?
To every young girl out there, I would like to say it is possible, as long as you put in the hard work and focus on your goals.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CAF
2 hours ago
- CAF
Ghana edge South Africa on penalties to clinch WAFCON bronze
Published: Friday, 25 July 2025 Ghana held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout to defeat South Africa and claim the bronze medal at the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca on Friday night. After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, the Black Queens triumphed 4-3 in the shootout at Stade Larbi Zaouli to seal third place in the tournament. It was a fitting end to a thrilling encounter between two fierce rivals with a history of closely contested matches at WAFCON. For Ghana, this was not just revenge for the 2-0 defeat to South Africa in the group stage, but also a repeat of their bronze medal feat in 2016—again against Banyana Banyana. South Africa struck first through Nonhlanhla Mthandi just before the break. Her crisp right-footed strike from outside the box in the 45th minute gave Banyana the lead and capped a dominant first-half performance. Ghana, however, responded with energy after the interval and found a deserved equaliser in the 68th minute, albeit in fortuitous fashion. A de fensive mix-up saw goalkeeper Andile Dlamini credited with an own goal after deflecting a blocked header from Alice Kusi into her own net. Both sides had chances to win it late in regulation time. Ghana's Evelyn Badu hit the crossbar deep into stoppage time, while South Africa's Linda Motlhalo forced Cynthia Konlan into a smart save minutes earlier. With the scores level at full-time, the match headed to penalties. Konlan proved to be Ghana's heroine, saving crucial spot-kicks from Hildah Magaia and Sibulele Holweni to tilt the balance in her side's favour. Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah had earlier se en her effort saved by South Africa's Dlamini, but Ghana recovered thanks to composed finishes from Alice Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Nancy Amoh. Jermaine Seoposenwe and Linda Motlhalo converted for South Africa, but the reigning champions fell short and left Morocco empty-handed, having missed out on the final and now the bronze medal as well. It marked a spirited comeback by Kim Björkegren's Black Queens, who entered the tournament as underdogs but leave with tangible proof of their resurgence on the continental stage. For South Africa, the result will sting. Desiree Ellis's side, crowned champions in 2022, had hoped to add a consolation medal to their cabinet. Instead, they return home needing to rebuild with younger players likely to take centre stage in the next cycle. As the final whistle blew on a tense evening in Casablanca, it was Ghana's players and staff who danced with joy— pride restored, and revenge sweetly served.


CAF
12 hours ago
- CAF
Ghana vs South Africa: Banyana Banyana and Black Queens Reignite 2016 Bronze Battle in Casablanca
The 2024 CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) third-place match will bring together two of the continent's fiercest rivals South Africa and Ghana in what promises to be a gripping finale under the lights of Casablanca. Set for Friday evening at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, the encounter will not only determine who claims the bronze medal but also settle a score dating back to 2016, when Ghana edged South Africa 1–0 to finish third in Yaoundé. Now, both teams return to the same stage with a shared objective, which is to finish strong and restore pride after falling short of the final. Banyana Banyana: Champions with a Point to Prove For South Africa, the pain of missing out on consecutive WAFCON finals has ignited a resolve to leave Morocco with something tangible. As reigning champions, Banyana Banyana carry the weight of expectation and the responsibility of showing resilience in a tournament that has tested their depth and character. Head coach Desiree Ellis acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized the need to reset quickly amidst challenges of nurturing new talent. 'Obviously, the ambition was to play in the final, but that didn't happen. We now focus on playing Ghana, another tough team. Though this is not where we wanted to be, we must regroup and fight for a bronze medal,' she said. 'We're looking forward to seeing how our young players grow. They've been auditioning for years—it's now time to step up.' South Africa striker Jermaine Seoposenwe echoed the team's mindset heading into the clash. 'As professionals we must take responsibility. As African champions, going home with a medal is a form of consolation. A bronze medal is what we must now win.' Having played as a makeshift striker in this tournament, Seoposenwe suggested this may be her final WAFCON appearance. 'As for retirement, it's a big decision and not one I want to be talked out of once I make it. For now, the priority is to end this campaign with a win.' Ghana's Black Queens: Underdogs with Momentum In contrast, Ghana have embraced their role as tournament dark horses. Under Swedish tactician Kim Björkegren, the Black Queens have mounted an inspiring run — reaching the semi-finals after failing to qualify for the last edition. 'We lost to South Africa 2-0 in the group stage, but it was a close, 50-50 game,' Björkegren said. 'Since then, we've improved a lot. When I came in February, the team hadn't been together much. But the players are learning quickly and showing real growth.' Blending international experience with domestic grit, Ghana have leaned on rising stars like Comfort Yeboah and Stella Nyamekye to drive their progress. 'We've prepared like we were preparing for the final,' said Nyamekye. 'The senior players have been a big support for us younger ones. We want to win this for them and for Ghana.' Head-to-Head: A Rivalry Revisited This bronze medal match will be the second meeting between Ghana and South Africa at WAFCON 2024. Their earlier encounter in the group stage saw Banyana Banyana claim a 2–0 win, but the stakes are significantly higher now with a podium finish on the line. Historically, the rivalry between the two sides has been intense and evenly contested, with each nation enjoying moments of dominance over the other across the years. Their first meeting at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations came in the 1998 group stage, where Ghana outclassed South Africa with a 4–0 victory. Two years later, South Africa responded in the 2000 semi-final, edging the Black Queens 1–0 to reach the final. In 2004, Ghana again showed their superiority in the group phase with a 3–0 win, but South Africa struck back in 2008 with a 1–0 triumph during the group stage. The 2006 edition saw Ghana book a spot in the final after defeating South Africa 1–0 in the semi-final. Outside of the WAFCON, both teams played to a 1–1 draw in a 2012 international friendly, and again in 2014 during the WAFCON group stage in Namibia. In their most recent WAFCON knockout encounter, Ghana defeated South Africa 1–0 to clinch third place at the 2016 edition in Yaoundé. However, South Africa won a preparatory friendly 3–0 in 2021 and followed up with the group stage win at the ongoing WAFCON tournament. In total, the two sides have faced off 10 times across competitive and friendly fixtures. Both Ghana and South Africa have recorded four wins apiece, while two matches have ended in draws. With the head-to-head perfectly balanced, Friday's encounter in Casablanca will not only decide who leaves with the bronze medal but also tip the scale in one of the fiercest rivalries in African women's football. Players to Watch South Africa's Jermaine Seoposenwe – The veteran attacker has led from the front in an unfamiliar striker role. Her vision, movement, and leadership will be central to Banyana's attacking transitions. South Africa's Linda Mothalo – A bright spark in midfield, the youngster has impressed with her composure on the ball and tactical awareness, offering both creativity and control. South Africa's Karabo Dhlamini – Solid and composed in defence, Dhlamini's ability to break up play and initiate build-ups from the back makes her key to South Africa's structure. Ghana's Grace Asentawaa – The midfield orchestrator has been Ghana's heartbeat, dictating tempo and providing incisive passes in the final third. Ghana's Stella Nyamekye – Energetic and fearless, Nyamekye's dribbling and flair could prove vital against South Africa's backline. Ghana's Comfort Yeboah– A versatile and tireless fullback, Bugre's overlapping runs and defensive tenacity offer Ghana width and steel on the flank. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM local time on Friday at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium. With a medal and regional bragging rights on the line, expect a fiercely contested match driven by redemption and ambition. Ghana want to recreate the 2016 bronze moment, while South Africa want to show they're still top force with sights on legacy, pride, and a place on the podium.


CAF
a day ago
- CAF
CAF and The Laughing Cow® from the BEL Group conclude Official Supplier Agreement for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025
The Confédération Africaine de Football ('CAF') and The Laughing Cow®, one of the world's most iconic cheese brands of Bel Group today concluded the Official Supplier Agreement for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations ('AFCON') Morocco 2025. The signing ceremony, which took place today in Casablanca, was attended by CAF General Secretary Véron Mosengo-Omba and Jérôme Garbi, Global Cheese Chief Officer, and Europe, Middle-East, Africa & Overseas CEO of Bel Group. This partnership builds on The Laughing Cow®'s long-standing presence in Africa and deep local anchorage. Since the 1960s, the brand has become an integral part of daily life for millions of African families. In Morocco, where it is produced locally at Bel Group's Tangier factory, a major industrial and export hub for Africa and the Middle East, The Laughing Cow® is found in 8 out of 10 households. CAF General Secretary, Mosengo-Omba said: 'The significant interest and support by Moroccan, African and global companies in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 is an indication of the growing popularity of the competition not only in Morocco but globally. On behalf of the CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, we welcome the BEL Group and The Laughing Cow® to the CAF family. We look forward to continued partnership with them.' Jérôme Garbi said: 'The Laughing Cow® has always stood for sharing and togetherness. Joining the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 is a natural and meaningful step for us, to connect with people, support communities, and celebrate what brings us all together: joy. We are especially proud to carry on a pioneering tradition. The Laughing Cow® was one of the first brands in the world to partner with sports events as early as the 1920s. This new chapter in Africa continues that legacy, with impact and smiles at the heart of everything we do.' A Celebration of Football, Culture, and Togetherness As part of TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, Morocco 2025, The Laughing Cow® will bring its joyful spirit to stadiums, fan zones, local markets and communities and social platforms. From interactive fan experiences and in-store activations to content celebrating African football culture, the brand will help make the tournament a celebration of unity and joy across borders. For more on the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, visit . For Further Inquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department