Matchday 1 of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 kicked off in style with six exciting fixtures across three groups. From the results to the performances, here’s a full breakdown of the actions:
GROUP A
🇲🇦 Morocco 2–2 Zambia 🇿🇲
📍 Venue: Liberty Stadium, Rabat
In this exciting encounter, the Atlas Lionesses and the Copper Queens were held to a dramatic draw—thanks to Ghizlane Chebbak’s 87th-minute equaliser. Chebbak, found the net in the 87th minute to level the game after Zambia had led 2–1 since the 27th minute.
CAF Player of the Match:
🇿🇲 Barbra Banda – A debut to remember. Banda scored just 58 seconds into her very first WAFCON appearance while leading Zambia’s attack.
🇸🇳 Senegal 4–0 DR Congo 🇨🇩
📍 Venue: El Bachir Stadium
The Teranga Lionesses roared into the tournament with a commanding performance. A brace each from Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye gave Senegal a 4–0 lead by halftime, effectively putting the game beyond DR Congo’s reach.
Senegal’s high pressing and quick transitions overwhelmed the Congolese defence early on. It was a display of attacking intent and efficiency, setting the tone for their campaign.
CAF Player of the Match:
🇸🇳 Mama Diop – Her two goals and link-up play were key to Senegal’s dominance.
GROUP B
🇳🇬 Nigeria 3–0 Tunisia 🇹🇳
📍 Venue: Larbi Zaouli Stadium
Nine-time champions Nigeria started their title pursuit with a convincing 3–0 win over Tunisia. Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring, before Rinsola Babajide and Chiwendu Ihezuo added their names to the scoresheet.
Despite a few missed chances, the Super Falcons showed composure and experience. Nigeria’s midfield control and attacking versatility were evident throughout the game, while their defence remained solid to keep a clean sheet.
CAF Player of the Match:
🇳🇬 Esther Okoronkwo – an all-round energetic performance.
🇩🇿 Algeria 1–0 Botswana 🇧🇼
📍 Venue: Pere Jego Stadium
Algeria earned a hard-fought win against Botswana, courtesy of Karchouni’s 10th-minute goal. Despite the early lead, Botswana responded well in the second half with resilience, forcing Algeria to dig deep and defend their advantage.
The Algerians held on thanks to a composed backline and a solid midfield that managed the tempo in the second half, fending off Botswana’s late push for an equaliser.
CAF Player of the Match:
🇩🇿 Ghouthia Karchouni – Scorer of the winning goal.
GROUP C
🇿🇦 South Africa 2–0 Ghana 🇬🇭
📍 Venue: Honneur Stadium
The defending champions showed their class with a 2–0 win over Ghana. After a VAR check awarded South Africa a penalty, Linda Motlhalo converted from the spot to put them ahead. Jermaine Seosposenwe later doubled the lead with a well-placed finish, sealing all three points.
South Africa controlled possession and frustrated Ghana with their tactical discipline. The Black Queens had a few close chances—hitting the woodwork—but couldn’t find a breakthrough.
CAF Player of the Match:
🇿🇦 Bambanani Mbane – Performed brilliantly at the back.
🇲🇱 Mali 1–0 Tanzania 🇹🇿
📍 Venue: Berkane Municipal Stadium
It was a game of two halves, with Saratou Traoré’s stunning strike proving the difference as Mali claimed a 1–0 victory in their opening match.
Mali dominated the first half, controlling possession and creating several chances before Traoré found the net with a well-taken goal. Tanzania responded strongly after the break, improving their overall play and pushing for an equaliser. Despite several opportunities, they couldn’t break through Mali’s defence.
CAF Player of the Match:
🇲🇱 Saratou Traoré – Scored the winning goal and remained a constant threat.
An eventful Matchday 1 saw a total of 15 goals, and key players stepping up on the continental stage. With Groups A, B and C already heating up, the stage is set for even more drama in Matchday 2.
