Former South Africa captain Amanda Dlamini became the first woman to commentate an Africa Cup of Nations match, taking over the airwaves as Morocco and Tanzania went head to head.

Since retiring, the Banyana Banyana legend has been no stranger to the commentary box having served as an analyst for various CAF club matches as well as the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2022.

On being named an analyst for this year’s AFCON, Dlamini told CAF: “When I was told I will be commentating at AFCON, I was very overwhelmed but had to try to keep calm. I didn’t want it to get to my head because of how emotional the feeling was. I’m hoping this historic moment opens more doors for many other women to believe in their abilities and talents.”

The historic news comes in light of recent statements on women’s abilities to comment on men’s football, as well as the subsequent internet pile-on that caused Eni Aluko – another women’s football legend – to feel unsafe and seek legal advice.

Despite the negative atmosphere currently surrounding women commentators in the men’s game, Dlamini’s trailblazing moment has been met with overwhelming support.

Women should never feel as though their voices don’t have a place in football. Dlamini has just opened a door for others to follow in her footsteps. When the next tournament comes around in two years' time, here’s to hoping even more women will take up the mic.