Nigeria and Botswana are set to renew their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) rivalry when they face off in a crucial Group B encounter at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Thursday.

This marks the second WAFCON meeting between the two sides, with their previous clash coming in the group stage of the 2022 edition. On that occasion, Nigeria bounced back from an opening defeat to South Africa by securing a 2-0 victory over Botswana, courtesy of goals from Ifeoma Onumonu in the 21st minute and Christy Ucheibe early in the second half.

In that 2022 tournament, Botswana had begun their campaign with an impressive 4-2 win over Burundi, while Nigeria were seeking redemption after losing to the eventual group winners, South Africa. The Super Falcons went on to defeat both Botswana and Burundi, finishing second in the group, while Botswana advanced to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams despite losing their final two group games.

That previous encounter remains a tactical benchmark, with Botswana managing only 26.3% possession — their lowest share in any WAFCON match to date — as Nigeria dominated proceedings.

Thursday’s fixture promises another intriguing chapter in the developing rivalry between the record nine-time champions Nigeria and a rapidly improving Botswana side aiming to upset the odds.

Past WAFCON Meeting:
Group C – 7 July, 2022: Botswana 0 Nigeria 2 (Onumonu 21’, Ucheibe 48’)

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Botswana face a daunting challenge as they prepare to take on defending champions Nigeria in their second Group B fixture at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024, looking to snap a four-match losing streak at the tournament.

The Mares began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 loss to Algeria, a result that extended their winless run at the finals since their 2022 group-stage victory over Burundi. Since then, they have lost four straight matches — three of them by a slim one-goal margin, underlining their competitive but ultimately fruitless efforts at this level.

Defensive frailties continue to haunt the team, as Botswana have never kept a clean sheet in any of their WAFCON appearances, conceding in every match played at the finals. Their lack of firepower is also telling — they have scored just once in their last four matches, that solitary goal coming in a 2-1 quarterfinal defeat to hosts Morocco in 2022.

Botswana’s overall goal tally at WAFCON stands at five, with four of those goals coming in their memorable 4-2 win over Burundi in 2022. That match remains their only victory at the continental showpiece to date.

This will be only Botswana’s second-ever second group match at the tournament. The first came two years ago — a 2-0 loss to Nigeria — and they will need to produce a much-improved performance to avoid a repeat result.

Despite the loss to Algeria, goalkeeper Sedilame Boseja stood out with six crucial saves, matching her tally from the 2022 meeting with Nigeria. All three of Botswana’s shots on target came in the second half, showing their determination to fight back, even if the breakthrough never came.

As they face a confident Nigerian side in top form, Botswana will hope to rewrite the script and revive their 2024 campaign with a historic result in Casablanca.

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Host nation Morocco claimed a pulsating 4-2 win over DR Congo in a dramatic Group A clash at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024 on Wednesday evening.

Spurred on by a home crowd and needing a win after their opening draw with Zambia, the Atlas Lionesses delivered a spirited performance, led by star forward Ghizlane Chebbak, who was involved in three of Morocco’s four goals.

It was DR Congo who struck first, stunning the hosts with an early opener in the 6th minute. Merveille Kanjinga latched onto a precise through ball from Naomie Kabakaba and calmly slotted past Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi.

Morocco responded with determination, and Chebbak soon took centre stage. The captain equalised in the 25th minute with a composed finish and put the hosts ahead just before halftime with a close-range effort, making it 2-1 at the break.

The second half provided more fireworks. DR Congo drew level in the 70th minute when substitute Flavine Mawete blasted home a fine goal following a neat assist from Marlène Kasaj.

But the home side quickly regained control. In the 75th minute, Chebbak turned provider, setting up Imène El Ghazouani, whose cross found Chebbak once again to restore Morocco’s lead at 3-2.

Victory was sealed in the 83rd minute when Anissa Lahmari won a penalty, confidently dispatched by Yasmin M’Rabet into the bottom corner.

Despite a late flurry of attacks from DR Congo, including dangerous efforts from Kabakaba, Mawete, and Esther Dikisha, the Moroccan defence stood firm.

The win puts Morocco in a strong position in Group A as they chase a historic run on home soil, while DR Congo, though spirited in attack, will need to regroup ahead of their next outing.

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