South Africa coach Desiree Ellis says her side will not be overawed by a partisan crowd when Banyana Banyana take on hosts Morocco in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) on Saturday night.
South Africa have been runners-up at the tournament on four previous occasions, while the North Africans have reached the final on their return to the continental stage after a 22-year absence.
Over 45,000 people – a record attendance for a women’s game in Africa – watched the Atlas Lionesses overcome Nigeria in the semi-final but Ellis is backing her squad to deal with the atmosphere in Rabat.
“We’ve played at the World Cup and we played at the biggest stadium in Brazil, when the fans were just as hostile,” the 59-year-old told BBC Sport Africa.
“I think the players are mature enough. They play at big clubs, they know the situation. They know what they need, what it’s all about.”
Morocco boss Reynald Pedros has won two Women’s European Champions League titles with Lyon and believes his side’s performances and levels of support have shown the growth of the women’s game in the country.
“I think if we had a stadium of 60,000 or 70,000 capacity, it would be full,” the Frenchman, who took charge in 2020, said.
“That’s the success of these players, this federation, the national women’s team – and it must continue – but whatever happens, this Wafcon has already been a success.”