WAFCON
Not just a football match, it’s a battle of songs as Zambia and DR Congo electrify WAFCON Arena with songs
On a warm and electric night at the El Bachir Stadium, football took on a deeper, richer meaning than goals and results on Saturday night.
In the final group-stage game of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024, the Copper Queens of Zambia edged the Leopardesses of the Democratic Republic of Congo 1–0, but the real winner was the spirit of African football—fired by passion, unity, and a stadium alive with sound.
The match was decided by a moment of world-class brilliance—Racheal Kundananji’s thunderous ninth-minute strike—but its legacy will be defined by the atmosphere that wrapped it: two sets of fans in vibrant communion, two cultures singing, dancing, and drumming in celebration of the game.
A Flash of Brilliance
It took just nine minutes for Zambia to ignite the contest. From a direct free kick, Kundananji—known affectionately as “Kunda” among her fans—unleashed a fearsome shot that left DR Congo goalkeeper Ruth Kashala with no chance. A blur of motion, a bolt of energy, and Zambia were ahead.
Kundananji explodes into joy after scoring.
“It’s a goal she knows how to score,” said Zambia coach Nora Häuptle after the match. “She only needs half a second. I’m proud of how she carries this team—with simplicity, with power, and with heart.”
Zambians explode with songs at the spectators’ stands
As the net rippled, the Zambian end of the stadium exploded into colour and noise. Flags flew, vuvuzelas screamed, and chants erupted: “Chipolopolo! Chipolopolo! Zambia ni moto moto!” (Zambia is fire, fire!) The stands vibrated with life, a living wave of green and orange pride.
Congo Responds — With Music and Spirit
But if Zambia scored on the pitch, the DR Congo fans answered in the stands. Draped in red, blue, and yellow, they matched their opponents beat for beat—with chants in Lingala – a Bantu language spoken in the northwest of the country – pounding drums, and booming calls of “Fimbo na fimbo!” (Blow for blow!) and “Congo na biso, tokolinga yo seko!” (Our Congo, we’ll love you forever!)
The Congolese continue to sing and cheering their players despite the team being a goal down.
The match became a mirror of the stands: intense, defiant, unyielding. On the pitch, Naomie Kaba Kaba powered forward and Merveille Kanjinga orchestrated attacks, but Zambia’s defence—anchored by goalkeeper Petronella Musole—refused to buckle.
The Leopardesses held more possession by the end of the first half, but couldn’t translate dominance into goals.
Tension and Togetherness
After the break, the contest grew more physical, more tactical. Kundananji, having done the damage early, dropped deeper to help relieve pressure.
Midfielders Ireen Lungu and Racheal Nachula closed down space, cutting off DR Congo’s passing lanes.
But still the Congolese women pushed forward, urged on by their drumbeat and the enduring cry of “Tokolanda yo Congo!” (We’ll follow you, Congo!).
The closest they came was in the 68th minute, when Olga Massombo’s long-range effort forced a brilliant save from Musole. The entire Congolese bench leapt to their feet—but still, the goal wouldn’t come.
“We Were United”: Coaches Reflect
At the final whistle, Nora Häuptle could afford a smile. Her team had done just enough to progress.
“What I liked was the discipline. We knew DR Congo would push, but we defended as a unit. Rachael was decisive, but everyone stood firm. And the fans… it felt like we were playing in Lusaka.”
The usually reserved Swiss coach couldn’t hide her admiration for the night’s spirit. “I’ve never seen this kind of atmosphere at El Bachir.
Fans responding to each other with rhythm, with dignity, with joy… This is what WAFCON is about. We are proud to be part of it.”
On the other side, DR Congo coach Hervé Happy offered praise tinged with regret. “It’s a match we shouldn’t have lost. We gave away an early goal and chased the rest of the game. But I saw bravery, unity, and belief. The crowd carried us. I heard songs I haven’t heard since Kinshasa. That’s Congo. Even in loss, we celebrate. We will come back stronger.”
A Night to Remember
When the final whistle blew, the match may have ended, but the celebration had just begun. Supporters from both nations lingered. They sang together. They danced. They swapped shirts and selfies with players. Mixed circles of Congolese and Zambians formed around the stadium, united not by result, but by experience.
“I saw the Africa I love tonight,” said Joëlle, a Congolese student based in Casablanca. “Sisters, brothers, songs and football. It wasn’t just a match. It was a memory.”
As the floodlights dimmed on El Bachir, the voices of Zambia and Congo continued to echo. It had taken only one goal to decide the game. But in the stands, in the hearts, and in the memories—it was a night of victory for everyone.
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By Kunle Solaja.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been postponed, with Africa’s football governing body announcing new dates for the tournament in Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football confirmed that the 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will now take place from 25 July to 16 August 2026, instead of the earlier scheduled dates of 17 March to 3 April 2026.
Morocco was awarded the hosting rights for the continental showpiece in October 2024, with preparations already underway for what is expected to be one of the biggest editions of the competition. It doubles as the qualification tournament for the Women’s World Cup, as the top four finishers will feature in the global event.
CAF said the decision to move the tournament followed consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders.
In a statement, CAF explained that the adjustment was made “to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”
Although the organisation did not elaborate on the nature of those circumstances, the rescheduling shifts the tournament to the traditional mid-year international football window, which is often more favourable for player availability and logistics.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is the continent’s flagship women’s football competition and serves as a crucial platform for the development and visibility of the women’s game in Africa.
Morocco, which successfully hosted the 2022 edition of the tournament, is expected to leverage its modern stadium infrastructure and growing reputation as a major football events destination to deliver another high-profile competition.
CAF expressed confidence that the revised schedule will allow all stakeholders to adequately prepare for the tournament.
“Preparations for the WAFCON 2026 are underway, and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful,” the governing body stated.
The tournament will bring together Africa’s top women’s national teams competing for continental supremacy, with the rescheduling expected to give organisers additional time to ensure optimal preparations for the event.
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The Confederation of African Football has announced that it will issue an official communication within the next 48 hours regarding the situation surrounding the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
In a brief message posted on social media, CAF indicated that the matter has been under extensive discussion in recent weeks and is currently receiving urgent attention at the highest levels of the organisation.
“CAF will communicate within the next 48 hours on the situation regarding the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON26. There have been several discussions over the past weeks. The matter is receiving urgent and high-level attention,” the confederation stated.
Although CAF did not provide specific details about the issue under review, the statement suggests that senior officials within the continental governing body are working toward a resolution.
The development has sparked anticipation across the African football community, particularly among national teams preparing for the women’s continental championship.
The Confederation of African Football is expected to clarify the circumstances and outline the next steps for the tournament when it releases its official update within the stipulated timeframe.
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Reigning African champions Nigeria produced a commanding response, defeating Cameroon 3–1 on Tuesday in the second of their pre-WAFCON international friendlies in Yaounde.
Three days after suffering a narrow 1–0 loss at the Military Stadium, the Super Falcons returned to the same venue. They delivered a far more assured performance, underlining their pedigree as perennial continental powerhouses.
Head Coach Justin Madugu rang the changes, making seven alterations to the starting line-up that featured in Saturday’s defeat. However, it was Cameroon who struck first again, netting in the seventh minute to momentarily raise concerns of a repeat setback.
Nigeria responded with composure and growing authority.
Forward Chinwendu Ihezuo restored parity in the 32nd minute, rising above her marker to power home a header from a well-delivered cross by Rinsola Babajide. The equaliser settled the Falcons, who began to dictate tempo and press with greater coordination.
Just before the break, the comeback was completed. After a scramble inside the Cameroonian box, Babajide reacted quickest to fire home in the 43rd minute, turning provider into scorer to give Nigeria a 2–1 lead at halftime.
Madugu’s reshaped midfield proved decisive, pressing higher up the pitch, shutting down central channels and forcing the Lionesses into speculative long balls.
The Falcons extended their advantage in the 64th minute. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, influential down the right flank, delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area. Michelle Alozie attacked the ball with conviction, launching into a flying header that made it 3–1 and effectively sealed the contest.
Both sides treated the two-match series as crucial preparation for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.
For Nigeria, the emphatic victory not only avenged Saturday’s defeat but also reaffirmed their status as Africa’s benchmark in women’s football heading into the continental showpiece.
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