The Digester

South Africa wins WAFCON as Ramaphosa urges equal pay

Mar 12th 2026

Banyana Banyana beat Morocco 2-1 to lift their first WAFCON trophy, sparking nationwide celebrations and renewed calls from President Cyril Ramaphosa for equal pay after the wide gap in prize money between men’s and women’s champions.

  • South Africa beat hosts Morocco 2-1 in Rabat with Hildah Magaia scoring twice to win the country's first WAFCON title before a record 60,000 crowd.
  • President Cyril Ramaphosa publicly called for pay parity after the team received $500,000 in prize money, about one tenth of the $5 million awarded to this year’s men's African champions.
  • WAFCON prize money rose 150 percent from 2018 but remains far below the men's prize, prompting renewed debate on equal rewards for women’s football.
  • The team received a celebratory reception in Tshwane and thousands greeted them at O.R. Tambo Airport on their return to South Africa.
  • SAFA president Danny Jordaan has previously said the association plans equal prize money and hopes the win strengthens South Africa’s bid to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
  • Coach Desiree Ellis, who lost the 2000 final as captain, called the victory a reward for years of hard work and resilience, and South Africa will take momentum into the 2023 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.

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