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Daily Maverick
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Banyana Banyana eye consolatory bronze medal after double Wafcon heartbreak
Banyana Banyana's Women's Africa Cup of Nations title defence ended in double heartbreak after their elimination by Nigeria in the semifinals was overshadowed by the injury suffered by Gabriela Salgado. Banyan Banyana will be the first to be honest with themselves about their performances up to and including their semifinal defeat by Nigeria at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon). The South Africans went down 2-1 to their old foes on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, in Casablanca. The result came after another spirited display from Desiree Ellis's charges. Spirit, efficiency and camaraderie have been the key themes in this Wafcon run — which ended in heartache and denied Banyana Banyana's bid to defend their title. One key element that has been largely missing in the team's campaign is the type of silky and skilful soccer that they deployed on the way to clinching their maiden Wafcon title in 2022. More often than not, Banyana Banyana's displays in Morocco this year were tenacious and gutsy. The missing ingredient That Banyana style mainly consisted of the team quickly moving the ball around to dazzle their opponents, then pouncing with the precision of a ravenous cheetah. Only in one match did they show glimpses of this — in their final group game against Mali. They crushed the Malians 4-0. Speaking prior to Banyana Banyana's quarterfinal clash against Senegal (which South Africa won 4-1 on penalties), utility player Gabriela Salgado acknowledged that Banyana Banyana had had to dig deep in the majority of their matches. Nonetheless, the winger/fullback/forward was elated to be part of the team fighting for South Africa's honour in Morocco. A regular in the Banyana Banyana team for years, Salgado missed out on the team's successful Wafcon campaign three years ago. The left-footer was forced to pull out of the squad on the eve of the tournament after suffering a collarbone injury. As such, the 27-year-old was extremely pleased about being part of the title defence. 'I'm grateful to be here, it's an honour. As you all know the last Wafcon I missed out due to injury. So, I'm really enjoying being here and taking every moment in. It hasn't been an easy tournament; every team has come to try to beat us. But we've stood together,' Salgado said. Salgado's heartbreak But the Wafcon has once again shattered Salgado's heart. Not only are Banyana Banyana out of the reckoning after their semifinal defeat in Morocco, but Salgado was a casualty of the battle between South Africa and Nigeria. The versatile Johannesburg-born player suffered a serious leg injury with the scores level at 1-1 and Banyana Banyana in control of the contest. There were just seven minutes remaining when Salgado went down in agony in the South African box, as the two teams jostled for possession of the ball. Salgado's teammates were visibly devastated, with midfielder Noxolo Cesane appearing to be the most shaken as she burst into tears at seeing her comrade in anguish. 'From the reaction of the players, it was a bad injury. We had to calm them down to make sure that they stayed focused. Which was very difficult after that moment,' Ellis said after the match. Momentum killer Ellis said the injury shook up her team, suggesting they did not quite recover from the incident and that this affected their ability to remain focused. Michelle Alozie's searching cross from the right wing on 94 minutes somehow evaded everyone in the Banyana box, including charging South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, as it trickled into the goal. Nonetheless, Ellis said she was proud of the team's effort against their continental rivals, especially after their marathon quarterfinal against Senegal. 'After that injury it took us a while to get going again, that's probably the reason we conceded when we conceded. But big up to Nigeria, they kept going, and good luck to them [in the final],' Ellis stated. 'We did not look like a team that had gone 120 minutes [in the previous match]. We gave it as good as they gave it… Then we conceded a freakish goal, because everybody missed it. Even our goalkeeper… If you look at our overall performance, we did not deserve to lose. But one team has to lose,' the Banyana coach added. The fight continues Following this defeat, it's back to the drawing board for South Africa's senior women's soccer side. Coupled with their two successive failures to qualify for the Olympic Games, it will raise some questions, and particularly on the future of long-time Banyana Banyana coach Ellis, who has been at the helm since 2016. But first there is a consolatory bronze medal to fight for. South Africa will remain in Casablanca to conclude the tournament with a third-place play-off against Ghana on Friday, 25 July. The Black Queens lost 4-2 on penalties to host nation Morocco in the other semifinal. The South African Football Association (Safa) said the true extent of Salgado's injury was still being assessed after she was rushed to hospital. Safa president Danny Jordaan wished Salgado well, while also praising Banyana's valiant campaign. 'First of all, we would like to wish a speedy recovery to Gabriela Salgado. We are all waiting to hear what the doctors have to say,' Jordaan stated. 'Banyana Banyana fought very well, and it was a brave performance from the defending Wafcon champions. You have established yourselves as one of the best teams on the continent. You fought bravely and we are proud of your performance,' said the Safa president. Of course, over and above fighting bravely on the field, Banyana Banyana once again found themselves having to fight Safa over remuneration. The players downed tools just days after arriving in Morocco last month, over money Safa owed them from previous matches. It was the same scenario before the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup. It's these administrative issues that need to be phased out if Banyana Banyana are to one day topple Nigeria's Super Falcons as the biggest team in Africa. DM
Morocco World
5 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
WAFCON: Morocco vs Mali Whatabouts
Rabat – Morocco's women's national football team will face Mali tonight in a thrilling game, with the winner sealing their ticket to the semi-finals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The Atlas Lionesses will play their game at 8 p.m. at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. Those who cannot be at the stadium can watch the game on Arriyadia, TNT, beIN Sports, Canal +, New World TV, and Supersport. The Atlas Lionesses' campaign has so far oscillated between promising and impressive, with fans hopeful and eager to see their team end the continental tournament as champions. Morocco finished first in the group stage phase with seven points, after drawing 2-2 with Zambia and defeating DR Congo 4-2 and Senegal 1-0. Head coach Jorge Vila has said he is satisfied with the brilliance and commitment his Atlas Lionesses have shown to date, noting that they are highly motivated to secure a spot in the semifinals. In a pre-match conference on Thursday, the coach said it is natural that the pressure is higher on Morocco since today's game is a knockout match. 'But we are determined to win,' he said, conceding, however, that Mali is a formidable opponent. The Malians 'have talented players who have joined the team and are competing at the highest level,' he said, recalling Morocco's 1-0 win against today's opponent in a friendly match last year in December. 'The Malians play well collectively and know how to exploit spaces. They're motivated to beat us, but we have the tools we need to reach the next round,' Vilda said. Morocco finished as a finalist in the 2022 edition, where they lost 2-1 to South Africa.
CAF
6 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Morocco - Mali: A clash of gloves in the heart of Rabat
Mali arrived in Rabat dazed and disoriented, like a boxer on the ropes, after suffering a resounding 0-4 defeat to South Africa in Oujda. A crushing defeat that could have left the Eagles on the floor. But instead of staying on their knees, they got back up. The quarterfinal bell is fast approaching, and they know it is now or never to get back in the ring. In front of them is Morocco, the host country of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024, fighting on home soil. The crowd, as hot as a furnace, fill the Olympic Stadium in Rabat for every fight, and the Atlas Lionesses have advanced with the confidence of being the top seed. However, the Malians have the will to win. "The group stage is over. Now it's the knockout stage: you play, you go through. You lose, you go home," declared Mohamed Houssein Saloum, the Malian coach, in a phrase as colourful as it was powerful. Meaning: there are no more calculations, you lose, and you are eliminated. An iron mind for a comeback Mali knows what they're playing for: more than a place in the semifinals, revenge against themselves. "We're aware. The defeat against South Africa wasn't what we wanted, but we've turned the page. You'll see a different image of the team tomorrow," promises striker Aissata Traoré. Real punchers, Les Aigles Dames want everyone to forget their average attack (only two goals in three matches) and a cracked defense (five goals conceded, the worst total of any team still in the competition). But against Morocco, they want to strike hard, right from the opening minutes. A battle of styles: technical boxing versus impact boxing Morocco, for their part, are progressing systematically. Like a boxer with a refined style, solid on her feet, working with their jab, wearing down her opponent with patience and precision. This approach is confirmed by Jorge Vilda, the national coach: "Every morning, my players make me feel ready to fight. This match is crucial; it stimulates us, it gives us extra energy." Aziza Rabbah, central defender for the Atlas Lionesses, emphasizes the mental strength of the group: "We have spent more than two months together, totally focused. We've become a real family. This cohesion, this harmony, is what helps us stay strong, both physically and mentally." Mali, on the other hand, promise a completely different kind of match. Aïssata Traoré sets the scene bluntly: "To win, you have to be more eager to hurt your opponent." And she adds, almost introspectively: "The opponent is ourselves. It's the limits we set for ourselves that will turn the match." Behind these words, a whole state of mind has been expressed. A more straightforward, more muscular, no-nonsense game. The Malians want to press high, impose impact, and make their hearts and lungs speak. Like in an eighth round, when the legs burn but the will takes over. Lessons learned through hard work: "Each match has its own reality, its own philosophy. We learned from our mistakes," the Malian tactician emphasizes. Despite the defeat, the team retain their weapons: backup goalkeeper Alima Cissé, who made four saves in the last match (a record for Mali in this tournament), and striker Saratou Traoré, who put four of five shots on target against the South Africans. Morocco: Favorite, but Not Untouchable "They're a playful team, they don't give up, they believe in themselves," acknowledges the Malian coach. Morocco impresses, keeps on playing, and draws crowds. But in a quarterfinal, the slightest opening can be exploited. "The match will come down to the details," he warns. For the Moroccan side, Jorge Vilda refuses to underestimate the ferocity of the Malian women: "Mali is a great team. They really want to qualify for the semifinals, which makes them even more dangerous. In no case are my players less confident." Aziza Rabbah confirms: "The psychological stress, the tension, we know it's an important factor. But we're ready, focused. We want to show the best version of our team. This match is a major challenge, and we'll give it our all." The strength of the people and desire to make history "This match is super important, not just for me. It's an entire country that's counting on us," insists Traoré. A second semifinal qualification, after the one in 2018, would give Malian Women's Football new visibility. And the Malians are ready for anything: "If we have to leave our bodies, even our souls, on the pitch, we'll do it," says the new Boston striker, vigorously. The phrase resonates like a right hook. The support of Malian fans in Morocco could serve as a 12th factor. "We ask them to have more support for us. And I hope we will grow and get better in the game."
Morocco World
6 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
WAFCON: Jorge Vilda Says Morocco's Team is Highly Motivated to Secure Semifinals Spot
Rabat – Jorge Vilda, head coach of Morocco's women's national football team, said the Atlas Lionesses are highly motivated to secure a spot in the semifinals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). 'This is a knockout match, so naturally the pressure is higher, but we are determined to win,' he said. The Moroccan national team will play their quarterfinal clash against Mali at 8 p.m. Moroccan time at the Rabat Olympic Stadium. The coach is aware of the rival's power, noting they have talented players who have joined the team and are competing at the highest level. Morocco won 1-0 against Mali in a friendly game in December of last year. 'The Malians play well collectively and know how to exploit spaces. They'll be motivated to beat us, but we have the tools we need to reach the next round,' Vilda said, warning that the Atlas Lionesses have to be aware of overconfidence. 'Mali's 4-0 defeat against South Africa in the group stage does not truly reflect the potential of their team or the nature of that match,' he warned, adding that all players are focused on winning the game. Aziza Rabah, Morocco's defender, acknowledged defensive mistakes were made during the two-group stage matches, but she is confident that they were corrected in the third match against Senegal. 'We had five days of rest and are excited to play this quarterfinal,' she said, adding that there are no easy matches in the tournament. Tags: morocco wafconWAFCON
Daily Maverick
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Banyana Banyana run riot against Mali at Wafcon, sending clear message to title rivals
It took a couple of matches for Banyana Banyana to display their ruthlessness at the ongoing Women's Africa Cup of Nations. A 4-0 win over Mali in their final group game has sent a clear message to South Africa's challengers in Morocco. Perhaps it was the criticism that they had not yet come to the party as the defending Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) champions. Maybe it was the frustration of being held to a 1-1 draw by Tanzania during their second match. Whatever triggered Banyana Banyana's 4-0 demolition of Mali in their final Wafcon group game, they have sent a clear message to their challengers at the continental showpiece: the champions are here and they will not easily relinquish their title — if at all. Stinging Banyana Much like a swarm of bees that has been provoked, the South Africans were all over Mali on Monday, 14 July. With both teams already qualified for the quarterfinals, the clash was to determine who would finish at the summit of Group C. In the end, it proved to be a non-contest as Banyana Banyana crushed the Malians to set up a quarterfinal tussle with Senegal. Two of South Africa's co-captains for Wafcon, midfielder Refiloe Jane and wing-back Lebohang Ramalepe, led the way in opening the floodgates at Oudja's Honneur Stadium. Mexico-based forward Hildah Magaia and starlet Ronnel Donnelly added gloss to the score with their second-half strikes. It was a satisfying result for Banyana Banyana, more so after their toiling against Tanzania and their workmanlike 2-0 win over Ghana in their opening Wafcon match. Against Mali, the South Africans were at their effervescent best as they struck down the previously high-flying Eagles, condemning the west Africans to a third-place finish. After the game, South Africa's coach, Desiree Ellis, said, 'We knew we were better than the first two games we played. We consistently work on what we need to improve — sometimes it doesn't happen overnight — but this game [against Mali] was a statement. A statement of intent and resilience, a statement of who we are. 'Everything [worked] … the movement off the ball, the quick passing, the rotations, the overloads… Plaudits should go to the technical team, they worked tirelessly on training [the team] even though we only had one training session before the Mali game. But we've consistently worked on getting better at certain things, and in this game we showed the quality we have.' Onwards and upwards With her team flexing its muscles at just the right time in the competition, four-time African women's coach of the year Ellis wants her players to build on the blistering performance they displayed against Mali. This is crucial, as either record Wafcon champions Nigeria (11 titles) or the formidable Zambia wait in the semifinals should the South Africans overcome Senegal. 'We need to use this [Mali win] to fuel ourselves and get even better. Because it does not matter the result, we're always looking for improvement,' said Ellis. 'We will keep working, not just on our finishing, but everything. Because there is no perfect game, there's always room for improvement. If we continue working, we'll get better at how we do it. 'Hopefully, we can take this Mali performance and push it up a notch in the knockout stages, because there are no second chances now — it's either you take your chances or you go home.' Wafcon quarterfinals One of the benefits of Banyana Banyana finishing first in Group C (with seven points to second-placed Ghana's four) is that they will remain at their original base for the tournament, the city of Oujda. Failure to win their group would have necessitated the South Africans relocating to Berkane, 60km from Oudja. Now the reigning African champions can enjoy the privilege of continuity as they prepare to take on Senegal. The quarterfinal clash takes place on Saturday, 19 July. Kickoff is at 9pm. The marquee fixture of the quarterfinals is definitely Friday's tussle between Nigeria and Zambia. Following their drubbing by Banyana Banyana, the Malians face another daunting opponent in the form of tournament host Morocco. The other quarterfinal is between the evenly matched Algeria and Ghana. DM
