WAFCON
WAFCON 2024: Defending Champions South Africa Face Tricky Senegal Test in Oudja
Defending champions South Africa will continue their title defence with a quarterfinal showdown against Senegal on Saturday at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024, as both teams clash in Oudja in what is only their second-ever meeting in the competition—and their first in a knockout round.
Their only previous encounter came in the 2012 group stage in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, where South Africa emerged 1-0 winners thanks to a 70th-minute strike from Andisiwe Mcgoyi. A dozen years on, much has changed, but Banyana Banyana’s dominance over West African sides remains remarkably intact.
South Africa: Knockout Pedigree and Defensive Steel
The reigning champions enter the last eight on the back of a commanding 4-0 win over Mali that sealed top spot in Group C and extended their unbeaten run in open play at WAFCON to 14 matches (W11 D3). That run includes victories over traditional heavyweights like Nigeria (twice), Mali (twice), and Ghana, with the only blemish being a 0-0 draw in the 2018 final, which they lost on penalties to Nigeria.
Under coach Desiree Ellis, South Africa have become a formidable tournament team. They have now reached the knockout rounds in 11 WAFCON editions—including the last nine consecutively—and have won their last three knockout matches, all by a single-goal margin and all with clean sheets.
In direct knockout matches under Ellis, South Africa have an unblemished record:
- 2018 Semifinal: 2-0 vs Mali
- 2022 Quarterfinal: 1-0 vs Tunisia
- 2022 Semifinal: 1-0 vs Zambia
Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini has been in fine form, keeping clean sheets in both her appearances at the current tournament and making 10 saves—just one shy of her total from the entire 2022 campaign. Meanwhile, defender Lebogang Ramalepe has contributed directly to three goals (1 goal, 2 assists) and created a team-high six chances.
Senegal: Searching for History Amid Inconsistency
Senegal, meanwhile, are seeking to break new ground. After reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in 2022, they have returned to the last eight but will be hoping to go one better this time by reaching their first-ever WAFCON semifinal. Their only previous knockout experience came in 2022 when they took Zambia to penalties after a 1-1 draw but lost the shootout.
The current campaign began brightly for the Lionesses of Teranga with a resounding 4-0 win over DR Congo. However, back-to-back losses to Zambia (3-2) and hosts Morocco (1-0) have left questions about their defensive solidity and consistency. They have now lost four of their last five WAFCON games (W1 D1 L4).
Interestingly, Senegal’s matches have been high on early drama: seven of the 10 goals (scored and conceded) in their three group-stage matches came in the first half. They are yet to feature in a 0-0 draw in WAFCON history, and all signs point to another open contest in Oudja.
Head-to-Head and Tactical Insight
South Africa’s superiority in knockout matches and their excellent record against West African opposition (five wins and a draw since 2016 in open play) gives them a clear psychological edge. They’ve conceded only once in their last six such matches, scoring 11 goals in the process.
Senegal’s struggle against Southern African sides is notable—they’ve faced Zambia twice (one draw, one loss) and lost their only game against South Africa. Their attack can be potent, especially early in matches, but their defence has conceded six times in their last three WAFCON games.
What’s at Stake
Victory for South Africa would put them in their 11th WAFCON semifinal, cementing their status as the continent’s most consistent performers. For Senegal, a win would mark a historic breakthrough into the tournament’s final four—a milestone that has so far eluded them.
Key Players to Watch
- South Africa: Andile Dlamini (GK), Lebogang Ramalepe (DF), Linda Motlhalo (MF), Jermaine Seoposenwe (FW)
- Senegal: Hapsatou Diallo (FW), Nguenar Ndiaye (FW), Tenning Sene (MF), Safietou Sagna (DF)
Kickoff Time:
Saturday, July 20, 2024 – 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT)
Venue: Oudja, Morocco
Expect a tightly contested affair, but South Africa’s experience, discipline, and history in the latter stages could once again prove decisive.
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African women’s national teams are stepping up preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, with a packed April FIFA international window offering a crucial opportunity to assess strengths and refine tactics.
With the continental tournament just months away, teams across Africa are engaging in a mix of regional friendlies and intercontinental fixtures as part of the FIFA Series, aiming to build momentum and test combinations.
Clearly stated ambitions
From 10 April, Botswana will get proceedings underway against Saudi Arabia.
The following day, Tunisia face Benin in a fixture that should offer the Carthage Eagles an opportunity to explore new attacking options against an opponent known for their defensive discipline.
A day later, Morocco host Tanzania in one of the standout fixtures of the window. The Atlas Lionesses, who have enjoyed an impressive run in recent years, face a Tanzanian side eager to continue its upward trajectory.
On 14 April, attention turns to a series of high-profile encounters. South Africa meet Algeria in a clash of contrasting styles, with Banyana Banyana’s intensity and pace set against Algeria’s structured and technical approach.
Elsewhere, Egypt take on Saudi Arabia in a match that offers both sides a chance to strengthen their credentials on the international stage, while Benin face Comoros in what promises to be an open and competitive contest.
Adjustments and confirmations expected
The fixtures continue on 16 April, when Tunisia meet Comoros in another test of their readiness against an improving opponent.
On 17 April, South Africa and Algeria renew their rivalry in a second encounter, providing both teams with an opportunity to adapt tactically. Morocco also face Ghana in a high-profile meeting between two of the continent’s most competitive sides.
The series concludes on 19 April with a second meeting between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, offering further insights into both teams’ progress
FIFA Series: a global revealer
Beyond African match-ups, the FIFA Series 2026 has expanded the scope of preparations by pitting African teams against global opposition.
Ivory Coast set the tone with an emphatic 8-0 victory over Mauritania on 9 April, underlining their attacking strength.
On 11 April, Kenya host a mini-tournament in Nairobi featuring Australia, Malawi and India, while Zambia face a stern test against Canada in Brazil.
The following day sees DR Congo take on Indonesia in Thailand, while Mauritania face Pakistan and Ivory Coast meet Turks and Caicos in Abidjan.
Zambia continue their demanding schedule with matches against Brazil on 15 April and South Korea on 18 April, providing valuable experience against top-tier opposition.
A crucial testing ground
The April window represents a key phase in preparations, allowing coaches to experiment, assess squad depth and fine-tune strategies ahead of WAFCON 2026.
With competitive fixtures across continents, African teams are gaining vital exposure and experience — all with the aim of peaking when the continent’s biggest women’s football tournament begins later this year.
Friendly matches in April 2026:
April 10
Saudi Arabia 1–1 Botswana
Scorers: Seba Tawfiq (90+7) / Laone Moloi (28’)
April 12
Tunisia 1-0 Benin
Scorer : M. Houij (90′)
April 13
Senegal 1-0 Burkina Faso
Scorer : S. Ngaye Pene (2′)
Morocco 3-0 Tanzania
Scorers : S.Mssoudy (2′, 77′), Y.Mrabet (80′)
April 14
South Africa vs Algeria
Saudi Arabia vs Egypt
Benin vs Comoros
April 16
Tunisia vs Comoros
April 17
South Africa vs Algeria
Morocco vs Mali
April 19
Saudi Arabia vs Egypt
FIFA Series 2026:
April 9, 2026
Ivory Coast 8-0 Mauritania – Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Ebimpe
April 11, 2026
Australia 5-0 Malawi – Nairobi
Scorers : E. van Egmond (5″), S. Kerr (41″), A. Chidiac (60″), H. McNamara (86″), L. McKenna (90+4)
Kenya 2-0 India – Nairobi
Scorers: M. Emedot (2′) T. Obunya (55′)
Canada 4-0 Zambia – Brazil
Scorers :N. Prince (41′, 45+1), A. Chukwu (81′, 88′)
April 12, 2026
Indonesia 1-7 DR Congo – Thailand
Scorers: C. Scheunemann (7′) / M. Kajinga (23′, 59′), F. Mawete (29′, 74′), M. Kasaj (45+6) O. Massombo (52′), J. Feza (82′)
Mauritania 1-0 Pakistan – Abidjan
Scorer : R. Gengui (21′)
Turks and Caicos 1-15 Ivory Coast – Abidjan
Scorers : I. Moline (28′)/ A.Diallo (6′ 10′ 23′ 42′),P. Kreto (12′ 22′ 27′ 47′ 52′), R. Kouassi (32′), S.Kokora (45′), A. Koko (45+1), I. Konan (78′ 83′), A. Abrogoua (90+3)
April 15, 2026
Brazil vs Zambia – Brazil
India vs Malawi – Kenya (Third-place match – FIFA Series 2026 Kenya)
Kenya vs Australia – Kenya (Final – FIFA Series 2026 Kenya)
Thailand vs DR Congo –Thailand (Final – FIFA Series 2026 Thailand),
April 16, 2026
Ivory Coast vs Pakistan – Abidjan
Turks and Caicos vs Mauritania – Abidjan
April 18, 2026
South Korea vs Zambia – Brazil
-Cafonline
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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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