Published Monday, 20 November 2023
Mamelodi Sundowns are back on top of the African women’s game after defeating Morocco’s SC Casablanca 3-0 in the CAF Women’s Champions League final on Sunday.
A brace from top scorer Tholakele Refilwe and Boitumelo Rabale’s strike earned the South Africans victory in Cote d’Ivoire as they reclaimed the title they relinquished last year.
The South Africans’ impressive run in Cote d’Ivoire not only sees them reclaim the title they lost to AS FAR last season, but they set a record of lifting the title without conceding a single goal enroute to glory.
The historic win was achieved at a packed Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo on Sunday evening, where a brace by the tournament’s top goalscorer, Tholakele Refilwe accompanied by a Boitumelo Rabale strike saw the South Africans crowned champions with a 3-0 victory over Morocco’s SC Casablanca.
This was the second meeting for the two sides in the tournament after meeting in the group stages where Sundowns emerged 1-0 victors.
With a clear mission of reclaiming the title, Sundowns wasted no time in getting numbers forward and were rewarded in the 21st minute when Refilwe converted a penalty in the 21st minute.
Minutes later, Rabale fired the South Africans to a two-goal lead before the break from the edge of the box with a clinical finish that found the bottom corner.
Coming back from the recess, the Moroccans tried getting back into the contest but were met by a resolute Sundowns defense that frustrated each of their attacks.
With momentum on their side, the South Africans put the cherry on top with Tholakele’s 78th minute finish to officially put the match beyond reach for the Moroccans and seal a second CAF Women’s Champions League title for Sundowns, which is accompanied by a $400,000 winner’s prize cheque.
Quotes from the coaches
SC Casablanca coach Mehdi El Qaichori
“It was a good experience from the team. I want to congratulate Mamelodi Sundowns for the win. They played very well today and were the better team. This was a great tournament which is also good for women’s football in Africa.”
Sundowns coach Jerry Tshabalala
“When you see me happy, I try to rub it onto my players. A happy player will always dliver results for the team. We want to keep on doing good. Now the target, we are hoping that one day we will have a (Women’s) Club World Cup and we will go represent as the African champions.”
Mamelodi Sundowns CAF Women’s Champions League Road to glory:
Group Stage:
Mamelodi Sundowns 2 – 0 JKT Queens
Mamelodi Sundowns 1- 0 SC Casablanca
Mamelodi Sundowns 3 – 0 Athletico Abidjan
Semi-Finals:
Mamelodi Sundowns 1 – 0 AS FAR
Final:
Mamelodi Sundowns 3 – 0 SC Casablanca
