The CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicked off in Morocco on Saturday with fireworks both on and off the football pitch in what promises to be a thrilling and competitive tournament.
Defending champions South Africa began their title defence with a dominant win over Ghana, while nine-time champions Nigeria underscored their bragging rights as the continent’s best with a confident display against Tunisia. Senegal, Algeria, and Mali also showed their pedigree in their respective matches. Here are the highlights from Morocco in the battle for continental glory for African women’s football teams.
South Africa 2-0 Ghana: Defending champions fly high
On matchday one, Reigning champions South Africa campaign off to a perfect start with a convincing 2-0 victory over Ghana in their Group C opener in Oujda on Monday.
Goals from Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe inside the opening 35 minutes gave Banyana Banyana the result they needed to assert their status as title contenders in the expanded 12-team competition.
The result extends Banyana Banyana’s impressive record in opening WAFCON matches, having now won their last three tournament openers, including previous wins over Nigeria in 2018 and 2022.
Ghana, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly if they are to progress from a tricky Group C that also includes Mali and Tanzania.
Nigeria 3-0 Tunisia: Oshoala shines
After disappointing starts in recent editions, Nigeria—Africa’s most successful women’s team—made a bold return to form with a 3-0 win over Tunisia in Group B at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
The Super Falcons showed their intent from the outset, with Star striker Asisat Oshoala opening the scoring in the fourth minute with a powerful header after Omorinsola Babajide’s cross found her perfectly in the box.
Babajide, who was a constant threat down the left, latched onto a pass and buried her shot into the bottom corner to make it 2-0—her effort confirmed after a brief VAR review.
Nigeria’s dominance continued into the second half, with Okoronkwo and Ashleigh Plumptre going close, and Michelle Alozie causing problems with overlapping runs from fullback.
Tunisia showed resilience and nearly pulled one back when Salma Zemzem struck the crossbar in the closing minutes. But their resistance was finally broken again in the 84th minute, when Ihezuo coolly slotted home from close range after good work by Okoronkwo to seal the win.
The win puts Nigeria top of Group B.
Algeria 1-0 Botswana: Narrow win for the North Africans
In a closely contested Group B clash, Algeria claimed a narrow but important 1-0 victory over Botswana thanks to a composed early strike from Inter Milan midfielder Ghoutia Karchouni.
The Inter Milan midfielder struck in the 10th minute after Inès Boutaleb delivered a precise cut-back from the right. Algeria maintained control with 14 shots—seven on target—but could not find a second goal.
Botswana, though resilient, failed to capitalise on their chances, registering 10 shots but only three on target. Goalkeeper Chaima Bouheni played a crucial role in preserving Algeria’s slim lead with sharp saves throughout.
The win sees Algeria make an encouraging start to Group B, while Botswana will be left ruing missed chances but can take positives from a competitive performance against one of the group’s favourites.
Botswana will need to put the disappointment behind them when they face the Super Falcons on Thursday, while Algeria will look to continue with their form when they take on Tunisia.
Senegal 4-0 DR Congo: Dominant display from Diop, Ndiaye
Previous quarter-finalists Senegal put on a first-half masterclass in Mohammedia with a commanding 4-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday in Mohammedia in their Group A opener.
Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye each netted braces for the rampant Senegalese team.
Diop opened the scoring in the 5th minute, smashing home a rocket after a sublime pass from Méta Kandé. Ndiaye made it 2-0 in the 13th minute, calmly slotting home after a surprising assist from goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye.
The result sees them go top of Group A, ahead of Morocco and Zambia who played out a 2-2 draw in the opening game.
For DR Congo, back at WAFCON after a 12-year absence, this was a harsh reminder of the level required to compete. Their next fixture becomes a must-win if they are to keep qualification hopes alive.
Mali 1-0 Tanzania: Eagles manage to fly
In Group C’s other encounter, Mali recorded a slim 1-0 win over Tanzania 1-0 in Berkane, thanks to a strike from Saratou Traoré in first-half stoppage time.
It was a tight, physical contest with both teams creating chances. Tanzania had several opportunities to equalise, particularly in the second half when Stumai Athumani forced a sharp save from Mali goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao with a header in the 56th minute. Also, Elizabeth Chenge was also denied later in the half. Despite their pressure, the Tanzanian attack was repeatedly caught offside, limiting their momentum in the final third. But Mali managed the game with discipline, soaking up pressure and making key defensive interventions when needed.
The result strengthens Mali’s position in the group and puts them in a strong position as the tournament progresses.
Credits: CAF
