Banyana Banyana have been crowned 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations champions with a 2-1 win over Morocco on Saturday night.
Lebohang Ramalepe, Nomvula Kgoale and Hildah Magaia were hauled back in by Banyana coach Desiree Ellis from the team that narrowly got the better of Zambia in the semi-finals on Monday night.
Banyana didn't take long to get stuck in and with three minutes from the start, they nearly had the lead through a snap shot from Magaia in the area, but it was cleared following a loose ball.
After a difficult start, Morocco began to find confidence on the ball and at that opened up Banyana at will with Fatima Tangaouti the key protagonist in this regard.
Banyana though were unfazed by the hosts' intentions and could've gone ahead minutes after the half-hour mark through Magaia following a quick one-two, but her efforts were parried.
Morocco appeared fired up shortly after the halftime period and were able to break through the defensive lines of the South Africans, but nothing worthwhile materialised.
Banyana remained calm amidst the pressure from the host nation and took the lead midway in the second period when Magaia got space in the box and finished off Jermaine Seoposenwe's cutback.
With the tie in the balance, Ellis then decided to make a change a few minutes later where Kholosa Biyana came on for Kgoale.
The make-up didn't hinder their shape as Banyana doubled their lead on 71 minutes after Magaia connected with Karabo Dhlamini's long pass and finished off from close-range to complete her brace.
Morocco refused to throw in the towel nine minutes later as they pulled one back through a calm first-time finish in the area from Rosella Ayane.
However, in spite of persistent pressure from all fronts Banyana weathered the storm and claimed the win and their first continental title too.