Defending champions of the African Cup of Nations tournament, South Africa, beat Egypt 3-1 on penalties to keep the prestigious trophy for the eighth consecutive time.
The eleventh edition of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament ended with South Africa and Egypt’s male teams emerging as the two bests on the continent.
The much anticipated final had a frantic start with both sides hungry to win the ultimate in Ghana.
South Africa took the lead in the first quarter but Egypt ultimately found the equaliser in the second quarter.
After a very cagey 60 minutes of play, the match went to penalties where South Africa secured an eighth consecutive title after beating Egypt 3-1 in the shootout.
Head Coach of the South Africa team, Gorreth Ewing was pleased with his team’s victory.
“It was a really really tough game but my guys just stayed in it all the way to the end and we were brilliant in the shootout so well done to them I’m so proud of them”, he said.
He also revealed that going to the World Cup was what motivated them in the tournament.
“Qualifying for the World Cup is soo important. It is a massive opportunity and we are really proud to be going to another world cup for an African team,” he concluded.
After winning the tournament in the Men’s division, the South Africa female team replicated the men’s successes by beating Ghana to their 7th consecutive title.
Ghana, who is yet to win the tournament, gave the defending champions a run for their money but in the end, the quality from the 7-time winners proved to be the difference.
Captain of the side Brnadedde Coston couldn’t be more proud of her team’s showing.
“We played according to our structure and we wanted to come out and win and that is exactly what we did”
Captain of the Ghana Female team Umaru Nafisato on the other hand was disappointed with the defeat but was proud of the effort her team put in against the defending champions.
“We did our best. The first goal that went in was a deflection from our own stick, the second goal was a rebound which we didn’t act well and the other one [3rd] is one we consider an error from the officials but I think we can do better.
“We have to go back and do our homework on the petty mistakes we did and we are good to go”
The South Africa Men’s team have now qualified for the World Cup in Rourkela, India which kicks off on January 2023, while their female counterpart will also represent the continent in Terrassa, Spain, and Amstelveen, the Netherlands from July 1 to July 17, 2022.
Credit: Joy Online
