WAFCON
WAFCON 2024: Do-or-Die Clash as Ghana, Tanzania Battle for Quarterfinal Spot
Ghana and Tanzania will square off in a high-stakes final Group C encounter at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with both sides desperate to secure a place in the quarterfinals. The match, scheduled for 8:00 p.m. local time at Berkane Stadium, has effectively become a knockout tie, with each team holding just one point from their opening two games.
The pressure is intense as both teams know anything short of victory could send them packing. For Ghana’s Black Queens, it’s a test of character. For Tanzania’s Twiga Stars, it’s a historic opportunity to make the knockout rounds for the first time.
Tanzania Eyeing a Place in History
Tanzania are hoping to become the first East African team to reach the knockout stage since Ethiopia’s semifinal run in the 2004 edition. Buoyed by their spirited 1-1 draw with reigning champions South Africa, the Twiga Stars come into this clash with renewed confidence and belief.
Coach Bakari Shime believes his team is primed to deliver:
“The way we played against South Africa gave us confidence. We want to play our style of football and execute it well against Ghana.”
Central to Tanzania’s hopes is captain and forward Opa Clement Tukumbuke, who scored the team’s first goal of the tournament in the draw against South Africa. With leadership and a scoring instinct, Tukumbuke is expected to spearhead the charge.
There’s also a potential boost from Al Nassr forward Clara Luvanga, who has recovered from an ankle injury and could make her long-awaited WAFCON debut.Luvanga, a graduate of Tanzania’s youth teams, trained on Sunday night and could be called upon to provide attacking spark.
Tanzania’s only previous point in WAFCON history came in their last outing, following four straight losses in earlier editions. A win on Monday could rewrite their story.
Ghana Counting on Experience and Resolve
For Ghana, the pressure is immense. With only one goal scored from 31 attempts over two matches, efficiency in front of goal remains their Achilles’ heel. But head coach Kim Björkegren is not throwing in the towel.
“We still have everything in our hands. Yes, we hoped to score more goals earlier, but now we need just one win to move on. I believe in the players,” said the Swedish tactician.
Ghana will be without forward Doris Baduawaa, who assisted the team’s lone goal against Mali but is now ruled out. However, the Black Queens have options, including Princess Marfo and Princella Adubea, who could step in to lead the attack.
Despite their pedigree, Ghana have struggled to make deep runs at recent WAFCONs, making it past the group stage only once in their last five appearances — in 2016.
As Monday’s decisive clash looms, both sides know the path to the quarterfinals is narrow but clear: win or go home.
—
Group C Standings (After Two Matches):
- South Africa: 4 points
- Mali: 4 points
- Ghana: 1 point
- Tanzania: 1 point
The outcome of Ghana vs Tanzania could significantly impact the final standings and determine which teams advance alongside the group leaders.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face Zambia in a high-stakes quarterfinal showdown at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). This follows a goalless draw with Algeria in their final Group B match on Sunday.
The Super Falcons dominated the encounter at the El Bachir Stadium. However, they were unable to find a breakthrough. They still secured the top spot in the group.
The result sets up a tantalizing last-eight meeting with Zambia on Thursday in Casablanca. This is a rematch of their 2022 bronze medal playoff. That match ended in a dramatic penalty shootout loss for Nigeria.
Coach Justin Madugu, having already secured qualification before the match, rotated his squad to rest several key players.
His side maintained control for most of the 90 minutes. However, Nigeria could not convert their chances into goals. Algerian goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi produced a string of impressive saves.
The Falcons fired 23 shots at goal. Algeria made only one attempt. However, the Falcons lacked the clinical edge needed to break the deadlock.
Ifeoma Onumonu had a close-range shot blocked in the first half. Jennifer Echegini missed a clear opportunity in the second half. She fired over from inside the box.
Nigeria extended their proud record of reaching the knockout stage in every WAFCON edition they’ve entered. They have done this 13 times in total. They remain unbeaten in the current tournament.
The result snapped their streak of 12 consecutive group-stage victories. However, the Super Falcons completed the group phase without conceding a goal. This feat was last achieved in 1998.
Zambia finished second in Group C. They will pose a formidable test in Thursday’s clash. The team boasts a dynamic attack and seeks revenge for their 2022 semifinal exit to South Africa.
Nigeria, meanwhile, will look to raise their game as they chase a record-extending 10th African title.
Algeria progressed to the quarterfinals as Group B runners-up. They will face the Group C winners in the next round.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
WAFCON
Super Falcons Honour Late President Buhari with Black Armbands in WAFCON Clash Against Algeria
Nigeria’s national women’s football team, the Super Falcons, observed a solemn tribute. This happened during their final Group B match against Algeria. The match was part of the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. They wore black armbands in honour of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away earlier in the day.
The symbolic gesture occurred at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday evening. The Falcons were playing against the Algerian Lady. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) did not release an official statement before the game. However, team officials confirmed that the players wore the armbands. They did this to mourn the late leader, who governed Africa’s most populous country from 2015 to 2023.
The black armbands were a visible mark of respect as the players lined up for the national anthem and took to the pitch.
No formal pre-match moment of silence occurred. However, the Falcons’ subtle act of remembrance resonated with viewers and supporters following the match across Nigeria and the continent.
Muhammadu Buhari was a former military head of state. He later returned as a democratically elected president.
He was known for his support of Nigerian sports. This support was prominent during the early years of his administration. During this time, the Super Falcons and other national teams enjoyed increased government funding and incentives.
The Nigeria Football Federation is expected to release an official condolence message in the coming days. President Buhari’s passing has prompted reactions from political leaders, former athletes, and sports administrators across Nigeria.
As the Super Falcons advance to the quarter-finals, their performance on the field was marked by athletic excellence. It was also a moment of national reflection.
This reminds fans that football, often a unifying force, also has space for remembrance.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is aware of the historical and diplomatic tensions between certain member nations. It therefore maintains a discreet but strategic protocol to manage matches with political or cultural sensitivities.
Given the political undertones, some matches could be volatile. Tactical discipline and mental strength will therefore be as important as physical performance.
This is applicable should Morocco and Algeria clash in the quarterfinals or even in other stages of the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
If the Moroccans score early, they can force Algeria out of their defensive shell. But the longer the match stays level, the more it favours Algeria’s disruptive counterattacks.
From their earlier group matches, both sides have strong aerial threats, so corners and free-kicks could prove decisive.
No doubt, a potential Morocco–Algeria match is one of the highest-profile examples in recent memory.
CAF typically enforces a neutral stadium setup—no political slogans. In prior incidents, CAF enforced regulations. For instance, during the RS Berkane vs USM Alger club fixture, they needed to remove sensitive icons. They also took down stadium banners.
Teams are often allocated separate training times and logistical routes to minimise direct interaction.
Press briefings are monitored to prevent political commentary. CAF can sanction players or officials who make provocative statements.
Security Coordination
CAF works with local security forces and diplomatic liaisons to ensure fan separation if needed, especially in matches involving North African countries with a history of tension.
The stadium may receive extra security and crowd monitoring, with tighter credential control for journalists.
Referee & VAR Selection
Officials are carefully vetted to ensure neutrality and avoid any perception of regional bias.
VAR decisions are monitored closely to prevent escalation, with added communication oversight.
Post-Match Cooling-Off Measures
Mixed zone access is limited post-match, and press officers are instructed to filter out political questions.
CAF media teams issue rapid post-match statements to shape the narrative around sport, not diplomacy.
Precedents & Cautionary Lessons
CAF has long tried to avoid Morocco–Algeria fixtures at the national team level due to political friction.
The last significant meeting was in 2022 at the U17 Arab Cup, where tensions flared post-match.
In 2023, Morocco, as defending champions, had to withdraw from the African Nations Championship hosted by Algeria. The withdrawal was due to issues related to air travel and political symbolism.
Thus, if this WAFCON quarterfinal materialises, it will be a test case for CAF’s maturity in managing delicate encounters. It will also test both nations’ ability to let football shine beyond flags.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
Football Agent John Shittu Demands Retraction and ₦250 Million Damages from Samson Siasia Over Bribery Allegation
- WAFCON5 days ago
Tensions Flare as Algeria Politicizes 2025 Women’s AFCON in Morocco
- La Liga4 days ago
Former Real Madrid manager and Brazil Coach, Carlo Ancelotti sentenced to prison
- WAFCON1 week ago
Nigeria, Tunisia Set for High-Stakes WAFCON 2024 Clash in Casablanca
- OBITUARY1 week ago
Peter Rufai and I, Ike Shorunmu, pays tribute to late mentor
- IMMEMORIAL1 week ago
Peter Rufai’s Death Adds to Long List of July Tragedies in Nigerian Football
- WAFCON1 week ago
Super Falcons Eye 10th Title and Bigger Payday as CAF Boosts WAFCON 2024 Prize Money
- MEDIA3 days ago
Mumini Alao to Launch Autobiography with High-Profile Guests Set to Attend