Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies incredible run at the CAF Women’s Champions League came to an end on Sunday night as Banyana Ba Style suffered a 4-0 defeat in this year’s final at the hands of hosts AS FAR in Rabat.
Fatima Tagnaout opened the scoring for the Moroccans in the 15th minute from the penalty spot as the home team drew first blood.
Things went from bad to worse for Coach Jerry Tshabalala’s troops as Rhoda Mulaudzi was sent off after a dangerous tackle that got her a yellow card but was consequently upgraded to a red card after VAR intervention.
After the break, Sundowns Ladies were further reduced to nine players after captain Nhlapho picked her second booking of the match in the 52nd minute. The Moroccans ultimately capitalized on the freekick with Ibtissam Jraidi doubling the host’s lead.
Despite being two players down, Banyana Ba Style fought gallantly with Lelona Daweti and Melinda Kgadiete coming close.
Late strikes from Ibtissam Jraidi ensured she finished the game with a treble as the Moroccans sealed their first-ever CAF Women’s Champions League title.
In his post-match comments, Coach Jerry Tshabalala congratulated AS FAR for emerging as deserved winners, “They showed their class throughout the tournament, and they are worthy champions. Today wasn’t our day, but that is football for you, you win some and you lose some. We delivered our best, but we were undone by the early goal and some unfortunate decisions. Nevertheless, we have gained several lessons the hard way in Morocco, and we would be aiming to make amends when the next opportunity presents itself.”
Jraidi was named ‘Woman of the Match’ for the third time in the competition, following her remarkable treble. With 6 goals in 5 games, Jraidi also clinched the Top goal scorer award. Lelona Daweti finished with 4 goals.
Meanwhile, Fatima Tagnaout clinched the tournament’s Best Player award, while Khadija Er-rmichi claimed the Best Goalkeeper award.
Gallant performance by our Ladies!!!
Our coach made a hig blunder by not sticking to the previous line up of Mthandi and Esau and a defence partner to help Mbane at the back.
Another that team was not that difficult than the one we beat on the semi final uts just that our players were I’ll discipline even the one whom they already sitting on yellow cards and I wonder what our coach told them during half time and he should had substituted them to prevent red cards,anyway we tried especially Mbane,Mthandi Morifi and our middlefielders I forgot their names next time we’ll to make it better I hope.Kby forever
For me what is more disappointing are the areas where the fouls that led to the dismissals happened, those areas were not threatening us how do you get a red card in your opponent’s half. The captain commits the first foul when Reginah had it covered, same with the penalty she conceded Reginah had it covered and there was lack of communication 3 defenders going for 1 player. It’s disappointing that the loss was of our own creation unnecessary fouls knowing very well in tournaments such as these the referees always is the 12th player for the host team. Losing 1 player we could have given a brave fight to match them but when u already have a player sent off u try to be more cautious with u our tackles. 2 of the most experienced players really let us down. Having said that, I would like to applaud the players led by Mbane for giving it all against all odds ASFAR used their numerical advantage to punish us, Big up to Tiisetso, Thalea, Regina, Leona, Melinda, and Morifi and those who came on towards the end. I think it’s time we also look at reinforcing our team getting a pacey central defender and a younger striker in the mold of Nthabiseng Majiya our strikers are not getting any younger. When Allis said and done you are Banyana Ba Style for a reason, dust yourselves and move on let’s work towards getting back there next year and reclaim that trophy. WE LOVE YOU LADIES YOU ARE INDEED SOLDIERS