BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has progressed into the knockout phase. An intriguing and politically charged scenario is emerging.

Host nation Morocco could face Algeria in the quarter-finals. This matchup promises more than just football drama.

 The Football Scenario

Morocco, the winners of Group A, will play one of the best third-placed teams. This opponent will be from Groups B or C.

A specific combination of results in Group B could impact Algeria. If Nigeria thrashes Algeria, and Tunisia overpowers Botswana, Algeria might be demoted to third place. This could potentially make them one of the top two third-placed qualifiers.

If the final Group B matches on Sunday play out as follows:

• * Nigeria defeats Algeria by 2 or more goals, and
• *Tunisia beats Botswana by 2 or more goals,

As per the tournament matrix, which allows: Group A Winner vs Third Place from Group B or C, a win for Nigeria by two or more goals would be significant.

This, combined with a big Tunisia win over Botswana, opens the door to a potentially volatile North African showdown.

If drawn against Morocco, Algeria would line up in a high-risk, high-attitude quarter-final clash, with both footballing form and geopolitical tensions on the pitch.

Political Underpinnings

A Morocco–Algeria matchup would carry resonance far beyond sport. Their relationship has been strained by decades of diplomatic rupture.

This tension is rooted in the Western Sahara conflict. Morocco lays claim over this region, while Algeria supports the Polisario Front.

The situation is heightened by the 2021 severing of diplomatic ties. This was triggered by disagreements over Sahrawi self-determination. Other causes include Pegasus spyware allegations and Morocco’s normalisation with Israel.

Soccer-related flashpoints include boycotts, match cancellations, and clothing disputes. The politically charged Morocco’s RS Berkane CAF Confederation match with Algeria’s USM Alger last year was most notable.

Recent weeks have seen continued friction: Algeria has blacked out Moroccan branding from its WAFCON coverage and stripped Royal Air Maroc logos during televised Algerian press events.

 Implications on and off the Field

A Morocco–Algeria quarter-final would likely echo these geopolitical currents, transforming a football match into a symbolic confrontation, where chants, jerseys, and even camera angles could bear political signifiers.

For CAF and WAFCON organisers, this poses logistical and diplomatic tests: ensuring the match remains a sporting spectacle—free from political provocation—will be as vital as the tactics on the pitch.

What Lies Ahead

On the field, Morocco will be fortifying its defense to weather Algeria’s potential counter‑attack.

Off the field: CAF and broadcasters will need to carefully monitor pre-match presentation to avoid reigniting diplomatic tensions.

Bottom line: A quarter-final Morocco vs Algeria duel is conditional, hinging on key results in Group B. But if it materialises, it could become much more than a game, serving as a staged rivalry that mirrors deep-rooted political divides and highlights how football and diplomacy remain tightly intertwined in North Africa.

 Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

BY KUNLE SOLAJA
The group stage of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is winding down. A titanic defensive duel looms large in Group B.

Two unbeaten and unbreached teams, Nigeria and Algeria, will go head-to-head this Sunday, at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. in essence, only Nigeria and Algeria among the competing 12 teams, are yet to concede any goal so far.

Both sides have impressed not only with results. They also have rock-solid organization. They stand out as the only two teams in the tournament yet to concede a single goal.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are nine-time champions of Africa. They lead the group with six points from two matches. They dispatched Tunisia 3–0. They also edged Botswana 1–0. Algeria’s Lady Fennecs trail closely behind with four points.

They earned these points from a 1–0 victory over Botswana. They also had a goalless stalemate against Tunisia.

This final group clash is not just a battle for top spot. It’s a rare collision of two defences. These defences have remained pristine throughout the group stage.

For Nigeria, defensive resilience has been anchored by the ever-reliable Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal. She is ably shielded by a backline that has kept opponents at bay with remarkable ease.

The team has also shown balance, with Asisat Oshoala and Chinwendu Ihezuo leading the charge in attack while maintaining discipline at the rear.

Algeria, under coach Farid Benstiti, have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament. The Lady Fennecs are often overshadowed by more prominent North African teams.

However, they have quietly built a reputation for being hard to break down. Goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi has stood tall between the posts. The defensive quartet in front of her have soaked up pressure. They show impressive cohesion and tactical awareness.

The stakes are clear. A draw will be enough for Nigeria to top the group. Algeria need at least a point to secure passage to the quarter-finals.

A win for the North Africans would see them leapfrog Nigeria to finish as group leaders. This scenario seemed unlikely before the tournament kicked off.

Both teams boast clean sheets. The match could hinge on who blinks first in defence.

It may also depend on who finds the creative spark to unlock what has so far been impenetrable.

Nigeria’s experience at this level gives them the edge on paper. However, Algeria’s newfound confidence is significant. Their dogged determination suggests they won’t be overawed by the occasion.

As the sun sets over Casablanca on Sunday night, fans can expect a tense, tactical contest. One goal might be enough to settle it.

Maintaining a perfect defensive record could prove just as crucial as scoring. It’s a battle of the unbeaten. A battle of the unbroken. And only one will emerge as Group B’s undisputed leader.

 Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

On a warm and electric night at the El Bachir Stadium, football took on a deeper, richer meaning than goals and results on Saturday night.

 In the final group-stage game of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024, the Copper Queens of Zambia edged the Leopardesses of the Democratic Republic of Congo 1–0, but the real winner was the spirit of African football—fired by passion, unity, and a stadium alive with sound.

The match was decided by a moment of world-class brilliance—Racheal Kundananji’s thunderous ninth-minute strike—but its legacy will be defined by the atmosphere that wrapped it: two sets of fans in vibrant communion, two cultures singing, dancing, and drumming in celebration of the game.

A Flash of Brilliance

It took just nine minutes for Zambia to ignite the contest. From a direct free kick, Kundananji—known affectionately as “Kunda” among her fans—unleashed a fearsome shot that left DR Congo goalkeeper Ruth Kashala with no chance. A blur of motion, a bolt of energy, and Zambia were ahead.

Kundananji explodes into joy after scoring.

“It’s a goal she knows how to score,” said Zambia coach Nora Häuptle after the match. “She only needs half a second. I’m proud of how she carries this team—with simplicity, with power, and with heart.”

Zambians explode with songs at the spectators’ stands

As the net rippled, the Zambian end of the stadium exploded into colour and noise. Flags flew, vuvuzelas screamed, and chants erupted: “Chipolopolo! Chipolopolo! Zambia ni moto moto!” (Zambia is fire, fire!) The stands vibrated with life, a living wave of green and orange pride.

Congo Responds — With Music and Spirit

But if Zambia scored on the pitch, the DR Congo fans answered in the stands. Draped in red, blue, and yellow, they matched their opponents beat for beat—with chants in Lingala – a Bantu language spoken in the northwest of the country –  pounding drums, and booming calls of “Fimbo na fimbo!” (Blow for blow!) and “Congo na biso, tokolinga yo seko!” (Our Congo, we’ll love you forever!)

The Congolese continue to sing and cheering their players despite the team being a goal down.

The match became a mirror of the stands: intense, defiant, unyielding. On the pitch, Naomie Kaba Kaba powered forward and Merveille Kanjinga orchestrated attacks, but Zambia’s defence—anchored by goalkeeper Petronella Musole—refused to buckle.

 The Leopardesses held more possession by the end of the first half, but couldn’t translate dominance into goals.

Tension and Togetherness

After the break, the contest grew more physical, more tactical. Kundananji, having done the damage early, dropped deeper to help relieve pressure.

Midfielders Ireen Lungu and Racheal Nachula closed down space, cutting off DR Congo’s passing lanes.

But still the Congolese women pushed forward, urged on by their drumbeat and the enduring cry of “Tokolanda yo Congo!” (We’ll follow you, Congo!).

The closest they came was in the 68th minute, when Olga Massombo’s long-range effort forced a brilliant save from Musole. The entire Congolese bench leapt to their feet—but still, the goal wouldn’t come.

“We Were United”: Coaches Reflect

At the final whistle, Nora Häuptle could afford a smile. Her team had done just enough to progress.

 “What I liked was the discipline. We knew DR Congo would push, but we defended as a unit. Rachael was decisive, but everyone stood firm. And the fans… it felt like we were playing in Lusaka.”

The usually reserved Swiss coach couldn’t hide her admiration for the night’s spirit. “I’ve never seen this kind of atmosphere at El Bachir.

 Fans responding to each other with rhythm, with dignity, with joy… This is what WAFCON is about. We are proud to be part of it.”

On the other side, DR Congo coach Hervé Happy offered praise tinged with regret. “It’s a match we shouldn’t have lost. We gave away an early goal and chased the rest of the game. But I saw bravery, unity, and belief. The crowd carried us. I heard songs I haven’t heard since Kinshasa. That’s Congo. Even in loss, we celebrate. We will come back stronger.”

A Night to Remember

When the final whistle blew, the match may have ended, but the celebration had just begun. Supporters from both nations lingered. They sang together. They danced. They swapped shirts and selfies with players. Mixed circles of Congolese and Zambians formed around the stadium, united not by result, but by experience.

“I saw the Africa I love tonight,” said Joëlle, a Congolese student based in Casablanca. “Sisters, brothers, songs and football. It wasn’t just a match. It was a memory.”

As the floodlights dimmed on El Bachir, the voices of Zambia and Congo continued to echo. It had taken only one goal to decide the game. But in the stands, in the hearts, and in the memories—it was a night of victory for everyone.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H