Wafcon final: Four key matchups between Banyana and Morocco

With the African continent eagerly awaiting to see which side between SA’s Banyana Banyana and Morocco will be crowned the new Women’s African Cup of Nations (Wafcon) champions in Rabat, Morocco on Saturday (10pm), TimesLIVE has taken a look at some intriguing previous matchups that are likely to decide the winner.

Ghizlane Chebbak v Lebogang Ramelepe

Chebbak is the leading goal scorer in the Wafcon so far and Morocco will definitely look to her in their mission to win the tournament on home soil.

SA coach Desiree Ellis knows that for them to beat Morocco they will need to neutralise Chebbak, 31, and a trusted soldier that will be able to successfully carry out the mission is Ramalepe.

Ramalepe is one of the most talented and experienced right backs and her talent saw her securing a move to Belarusian side FC Dinamo Minsk.

Yasmin Mrabet v Jermaine Seoposenwe

Seoposenwe will be the go-to person for SA when they go up front in search of goals to help them win the tournament for the first time in their sixth final.

When SA lost their star player in Thembi Kgatlana, Seoposenwe stepped up and ensured that the show goes on.

The Moroccans are definitely aware of how dangerous she is and it will be no surprise if Mrabet is assigned to make sure that Seoposenwe doesn’t manoeuvre as she likes on Saturday.

The 22-year-old Spanish-born centre back has played all her football in the European country for teams such as Madrid CFF, Rayo Vallecano and is currently on the books of Primera Division side Levante Las Planas where she is a regular.

Sanaâ Mssoudy v Noko Matlou

Mssoudy is another player that Banyana will need to pay special attention to. The 22-year-old may have only scored two goals in the run-up to the final, but she is very dangerous in front of goals and has been in fine form for her club ASFAR, especially in the Caf Women Champions League.

SD Eibar and Banyana veteran centre back Matlou will be expected to make sure that Mssoudy doesn’t move freely up front.

Élodie Nakkach v Refiloe Jane

Both Nakkach and Jane have been engines for their sides in the middle of the park and will be expected to push harder for the last time in a bid to help their respective nations be crowned champions for the first time.

The two players, who play their club football in Europe, will have to outclass each other for the benefit of their respective teams.

Jane plies her trade in Italy for AC Milan as Nakkach is based in Sweden where she plays for Servette.

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