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.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Nigeria’s Super Falcons produced a dominant second-half display to defeat Senegal’s Teranga Lionesses 3-0 in the second of their two international friendly matches at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Monday.
After being frustrated by a resilient Senegalese side in a goalless first half, the nine-time African champions found their cutting edge after the break to delight home fans with a convincing victory.
The Super Falcons began brightly and almost made an instant breakthrough when captain Rasheedat Ajibade delivered an early set-piece in the opening minute. However, the opportunity went begging as Senegal survived the early pressure.
Nigeria continued to dictate proceedings, with Joy Omewa causing problems for the visitors’ defence. Despite creating several promising chances, the hosts struggled to find the finishing touch. A gilt-edged opportunity was squandered in the 13th minute, while Omewa came agonisingly close two minutes later after rounding the goalkeeper, only to see her effort crash against the woodwork.
Gift Monday remained a constant menace throughout the first half, stretching the Senegalese backline and helping Nigeria maintain territorial dominance. Yet the breakthrough proved elusive as both sides headed into the interval deadlocked at 0-0.
The Falcons finally got the reward for their persistence three minutes into the second half. Defender Shukurat Oladipo delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, and Omewa rose highest to power a header beyond the goalkeeper and hand Nigeria a deserved lead in the 48th minute.
The goal transformed the contest as the Super Falcons grew in confidence and began to impose themselves completely. Seven minutes later, Omewa struck again, showing strength and determination to burst through the Senegalese defence before calmly finishing to double Nigeria’s advantage.
With the Teranga Lionesses struggling to contain the hosts’ attacking waves, the Falcons added a third goal in the 66th minute. Ajibade embarked on a dazzling run before providing a perfectly weighted pass for substitute Asisat Oshoala, who had replaced the two-goal Omewa, to finish clinically and put the result beyond doubt.
Nigeria continued to control possession and remained defensively solid for the remainder of the match, ensuring goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie enjoyed a relatively comfortable evening as the Falcons secured a clean sheet.
The victory capped an impressive performance by the Super Falcons, who combined attacking flair with defensive discipline to underline their credentials ahead of the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
For head coach Justin Madugu and his team, the emphatic win provides further encouragement as the defending champions intensify their preparations for the continental showpiece, where they aim to extend their dominance of women’s football in Africa.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are set to adopt a more attacking approach when they face Senegal’s Lionesses of Teranga in their second international friendly match on Monday at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne-Remo.
Head coach Justine Madugu revealed on Sunday that the nine-time African champions are determined to improve on their performance from Friday’s closely contested encounter, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Nigeria.
The Falcons took control of the first match through goals from veteran striker Asisat Oshoala, who converted a penalty kick, and midfielder Toni Payne. However, Senegal reduced the deficit with four minutes remaining, ensuring a tense finish to the game.
Speaking ahead of Monday’s rematch, Madugu said his team would be more deliberate in attack as they continue preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which kicks off next month in Morocco.
The two friendly matches form part of the build-up programme for both nations ahead of the continental championship, where Nigeria will be seeking an unprecedented 11th African title.
The Super Falcons and the Lionesses have met before in WAFCON qualifying competition. In 2016, Nigeria eliminated Senegal 3-1 on aggregate after drawing the first leg 1-1 and winning the return fixture 2-0.
At this year’s WAFCON, Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Zambia and tournament debutants Malawi. Senegal will compete in Group A, where they will face hosts Morocco, Algeria and Kenya.
The tournament, scheduled to run from July 25 to August 16 in Morocco, carries added significance as it will serve as Africa’s qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Africa’s four highest-placed teams at the championship will secure automatic qualification for the global finals, while the fifth-placed nation will earn a place in an intercontinental playoff tournament for a final opportunity to reach the World Cup.
With qualification places and continental glory at stake, Monday’s encounter offers both Nigeria and Senegal another valuable opportunity to fine-tune their squads and tactics ahead of the highly anticipated tournament in Morocco.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Nigeria’s Super Falcons began their preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on a winning note on Friday, defeating Senegal’s Teranga Lionesses 2-1 in an international friendly at Ikenne-Remo.
The reigning African champions produced a composed and disciplined display, taking control of the contest early and maintaining their grip for much of the encounter before withstanding a late Senegalese fightback.
The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when Nigeria were awarded a penalty after sustained pressure on the visitors’ defence. Veteran striker Asisat Oshoala calmly stepped up to convert from the spot, marking her return to the national team with a goal in her first appearance since the WAFCON 2024 final.
The Super Falcons continued to dominate possession and dictate the tempo, moving the ball with confidence and creating openings against the Senegalese backline. Their superiority was rewarded again in the 43rd minute when Toni Payne finished off a well-crafted attacking move to double Nigeria’s advantage.
Like Oshoala, Payne was making her first appearance for the Super Falcons since the last WAFCON final, and her goal underlined the experience and quality available to head coach Justine Madugu as he prepares his squad for the continental showpiece in Morocco.
Nigeria remained largely in control throughout the second half, limiting Senegal’s attacking opportunities while looking capable of extending their lead. However, the visitors found a lifeline in the 86th minute when they pulled a goal back to set up a tense finish.
The Teranga Lionesses pressed for an equaliser in the closing minutes, but the Super Falcons managed the game effectively to secure victory in what was the first-ever meeting between the two nations at senior women’s level.
The fixture forms part of both teams’ preparations for the forthcoming WAFCON, where Nigeria will be aiming to successfully defend their continental crown and extend their record as Africa’s most successful women’s football nation.
Both sides will renew their rivalry on June 8 in a second friendly match at the same venue in Ikenne-Remo as they continue their build-up to the tournament.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Algeria Files FIFA Complaint Over Messi Incident in World Cup Loss to Argentina
Messi Sets New World Cup Scoring Record as Argentina Reach Knockout Stage
Time Out At Times Square
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
NIGERIAN FOOTBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SANUSI CHARGES NIGERIAN COACHES TO BE UPRIGHT, DILIGENT
- World Cup4 days ago
‘Most Oppressed Team’: Iran Set for FIFA Showdown Over Travel Rules
- World Cup2 days ago
U.S. defends Iran World Cup travel restrictions, says discussions ongoing
- World Cup1 week ago
Atlas Lions Roar Again: Morocco Hold Five-Time Champions, Brazil In Another World Cup Statement
- World Cup1 week ago
Back in Canada After 39 Years: A Return to Where the Journey Began
- World Cup1 week ago
Doku Faces World Cup-or-Fatherhood Dilemma as Belgium Star Awaits First Child
- World Cup1 week ago
Salah Eyes Birthday Gift as Egypt Seek Historic World Cup Breakthrough Against Belgium
- World Cup1 week ago
Tunisia Become Second African Casualty as Sweden Hit Five in World Cup Rout
- World Cup5 days ago
South Africa’s Zwane Banned for Three Matches After World Cup Red Card