WAFCON
Senegal Run Riot Against DR Congo in WAFCON 2025 Opener
Senegal got their 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign off to a flying start with a commanding 4-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia.
The Lionesses of Teranga were in ruthless form, scoring all four goals in a dominant first-half performance, with Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye each grabbing a brace to underline Senegal’s growing credentials on the continental stage.
Coming into the tournament with high expectations after reaching the quarter-finals in 2022, Senegal wasted no time asserting themselves. They stunned the returning Congolese side with a blistering attacking display that had the game effectively wrapped up by halftime.
The breakthrough came in just the 5th minute when Mama Diop latched onto a well-placed through ball from Méta Kandé and unleashed a fierce shot into the roof of the net. The early goal set the tone for what became a one-sided affair.
Nguenar Ndiaye doubled the advantage in the 13th minute, finishing calmly from the centre of the box after a pinpoint long pass from goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye. By the 22nd minute, Diop had her second, slotting into the bottom corner after capitalising on a defensive error.
The onslaught continued, and in the 40th minute, Ndiaye rose unmarked to nod home a well-delivered cross from Hapsatou Diallo, completing the first-half demolition.
DR Congo, back in the tournament after a lengthy absence, looked rattled but showed more composure after the break. They created a handful of chances, with Flavine Mawete rattling the crossbar and both Gloria Mabomba and Naomie Kabakaba forcing strong saves from Senegal’s goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye.
However, Senegal had already done the damage and smartly managed the second half, rotating players and protecting their clean sheet with disciplined play.
The emphatic win puts Senegal top of Group A and sends a clear warning to their rivals, while DR Congo will need to bounce back quickly to keep their hopes alive.
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The Super Falcons honoured the memory of late Nigerian goalkeeping icon Peter Rufai during their opening match of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with all players donning black armbands in tribute.
But Asisat Oshoala went a step further with a personal homage.
In Nigeria’s 3-0 win over Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday, Oshoala, a legend of women’s football in her own right, wore two white wristbands bearing the handwritten inscription “Peter Rufai” alongside a small image of the late goalkeeper.
Oshoala opened the scoring for Nigeria in just the third minute, setting the tone for a dominant performance. Her celebration after the goal drew attention to the wristbands, as she pointed skyward in a moving tribute.
Rufai, a former Super Eagles captain and one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers, passed away last week, prompting an outpouring of grief from across the football community.
Oshoala’s gesture added a poignant layer to an already emotional occasion, as the Super Falcons began their WAFCON 2025 campaign with victory while honouring one of Nigeria’s football greats.
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Esther Okoronkwo was named Woman of the Match following her standout performance in Nigeria’s 3-0 win over Tunisia in their opening Group B fixture at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night in Casablanca.
The Super Falcons, led by coach Justine Madugu, began their title quest in dominant fashion at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, with goals from Asisat Oshoala, Omorinsola Babajide, and substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo sealing a comfortable victory.
Okoronkwo, who came on as a second-half substitute for Babajide, made an instant impact with her elegant touches, sharp movement, and creative link-up play. The 28-year-old forward nearly added her name to the scoresheet, rattling the crossbar with a powerful effort in the 68th minute.
Her performance earned praise from fans and analysts alike, as she added energy and flair to Nigeria’s attacking play in the second half. Sunday’s appearance marked her 15th cap for the Super Falcons, and she remains on six international goals.
Nigeria will next face Botswana on Thursday, with Okoronkwo likely to play an increasingly important role as the tournament progresses.
Super Falcons forward Rinsola Babajide paid an emotional tribute to the late Liverpool player Diogo Jota after scoring her debut goal for Nigeria in their 3-0 victory over Tunisia at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca.
Babajide, who formerly played for Liverpool Women and made 40 appearances between 2018 and 2022, found the net in first-half stoppage time to double Nigeria’s lead in the Group B opener. It was her first official outing for the Nigerian national team, and she marked it in memorable fashion — not only with a goal but with a heartfelt gesture.
After scoring, the Spain-based forward dropped to the turf and celebrated in the signature pose of Jota, who tragically died in a car accident last Thursday. The tribute resonated with many, as Babajide had shared the Liverpool connection with the Portuguese international during her time at the club.
“It was a very emotional moment for me,” Babajide said after the match. “Diogo Jota was a great player and a true Red. That celebration was for him.”
The 26-year-old’s performance was one of the standout moments of Nigeria’s dominant win, as the Super Falcons kicked off their campaign with a strong statement of intent.
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