Ghana and Tanzania will clash for the first time ever at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) when they meet in a decisive Group C encounter on Monday, July 15, at the Stade Municipal de Berkane (kick-off 20:00 local time / 19:00 GMT).

The match is a must-win for both sides, with a quarter-final ticket hanging in the balance. Ghana, three-time runners-up, are under pressure to salvage their 2024 campaign after a shaky start, while Tanzania are chasing history as they aim to reach the knockout phase for the first time.

Ghana Desperate to Avoid Early Exit

The Black Queens have endured a difficult tournament so far, losing 1-0 to defending champions South Africa and drawing 1-1 with Mali, despite taking the lead. This is the first time since 2014 that Ghana have failed to win any of their opening two matches, and they are now winless in their last four WAFCON fixtures (two draws, two losses).

Ghana must secure victory to advance to the quarter-finals, which would be their seventh appearance at that stage after successes in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2016. Failure to do so could see them eliminated in the group stage for a second consecutive tournament — a historic low for the once-dominant side.

Historically, Ghana have been strong in final group games, winning eight of their ten previous closing matches in the group phase. Their only defeat came against Equatorial Guinea in 2010, while their draw against Cameroon in 2018 cost them a place in the quarter-finals as hosts.

Notably, the Black Queens have never gone through a WAFCON tournament without registering at least one win — a streak now under threat.

Tanzania Eyeing First Win and Knockout Berth

Tanzania’s Twiga Stars, making only their second WAFCON appearance after debuting in 2010, earned their first-ever point in the competition with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against South Africa. They also made history by scoring first in a WAFCON game for the first time.

Despite being reduced to ten players following the red card to Elizabeth Chenge — the tournament’s first sending-off — Tanzania showed resilience and defensive improvement, having conceded just two goals in two matches, compared to four in their opening two games in 2010.

Tanzania have lost all four of their previous meetings with West African opposition, including defeats to Mali in 2010 and 2024, and a 3-0 loss to Nigeria in 2010. However, they now have a golden chance to rewrite their WAFCON story. A win over Ghana would not only be their first in tournament history, but also send them through to the quarter-finals — the first East African side to achieve the feat since Ethiopia in 2004.

All four of Tanzania’s WAFCON goals to date have come in the first half, with Opah Clement’s strike against South Africa standing out as her only shot on target.

High Stakes in Berkane

With both teams needing a win to stay alive in the competition, the stage is set for a tense and potentially historic showdown in Berkane. Ghana will be banking on experience and tradition to see them through, while Tanzania are hoping youthful exuberance and momentum will carry them into uncharted territory.

One team will progress. The other will go home.

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Ghana and Tanzania will square off in a high-stakes final Group C encounter at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with both sides desperate to secure a place in the quarterfinals. The match, scheduled for 8:00 p.m. local time at Berkane Stadium, has effectively become a knockout tie, with each team holding just one point from their opening two games.

The pressure is intense as both teams know anything short of victory could send them packing. For Ghana’s Black Queens, it’s a test of character. For Tanzania’s Twiga Stars, it’s a historic opportunity to make the knockout rounds for the first time.

Tanzania Eyeing a Place in History

Tanzania are hoping to become the first East African team to reach the knockout stage since Ethiopia’s semifinal run in the 2004 edition. Buoyed by their spirited 1-1 draw with reigning champions South Africa, the Twiga Stars come into this clash with renewed confidence and belief.

Coach Bakari Shime believes his team is primed to deliver:

“The way we played against South Africa gave us confidence. We want to play our style of football and execute it well against Ghana.”

Central to Tanzania’s hopes is captain and forward Opa Clement Tukumbuke, who scored the team’s first goal of the tournament in the draw against South Africa. With leadership and a scoring instinct, Tukumbuke is expected to spearhead the charge.

There’s also a potential boost from Al Nassr forward Clara Luvanga, who has recovered from an ankle injury and could make her long-awaited WAFCON debut.Luvanga, a graduate of Tanzania’s youth teams, trained on Sunday night and could be called upon to provide attacking spark.

Tanzania’s only previous point in WAFCON history came in their last outing, following four straight losses in earlier editions. A win on Monday could rewrite their story.

Ghana Counting on Experience and Resolve

For Ghana, the pressure is immense. With only one goal scored from 31 attempts over two matches, efficiency in front of goal remains their Achilles’ heel. But head coach Kim Björkegren is not throwing in the towel.

“We still have everything in our hands. Yes, we hoped to score more goals earlier, but now we need just one win to move on. I believe in the players,” said the Swedish tactician.

Ghana will be without forward Doris Baduawaa, who assisted the team’s lone goal against Mali but is now ruled out. However, the Black Queens have options, including Princess Marfo and Princella Adubea, who could step in to lead the attack.

Despite their pedigree, Ghana have struggled to make deep runs at recent WAFCONs, making it past the group stage only once in their last five appearances — in 2016.

As Monday’s decisive clash looms, both sides know the path to the quarterfinals is narrow but clear: win or go home.

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Group C Standings (After Two Matches):

• South Africa: 4 points
• Mali: 4 points
• Ghana: 1 point
• Tanzania: 1 point

The outcome of Ghana vs Tanzania could significantly impact the final standings and determine which teams advance alongside the group leaders.

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face Zambia in a high-stakes quarterfinal showdown at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). This follows a goalless draw with Algeria in their final Group B match on Sunday.

The Super Falcons dominated the encounter at the El Bachir Stadium. However, they were unable to find a breakthrough. They still secured the top spot in the group.

The result sets up a tantalizing last-eight meeting with Zambia on Thursday in Casablanca. This is a rematch of their 2022 bronze medal playoff. That match ended in a dramatic penalty shootout loss for Nigeria.

Coach Justin Madugu, having already secured qualification before the match, rotated his squad to rest several key players.

His side maintained control for most of the 90 minutes. However, Nigeria could not convert their chances into goals. Algerian goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi produced a string of impressive saves.

The Falcons fired 23 shots at goal. Algeria made only one attempt. However, the Falcons lacked the clinical edge needed to break the deadlock.

 Ifeoma Onumonu had a close-range shot blocked in the first half. Jennifer Echegini missed a clear opportunity in the second half. She fired over from inside the box.

Nigeria extended their proud record of reaching the knockout stage in every WAFCON edition they’ve entered. They have done this 13 times in total. They remain unbeaten in the current tournament.

The result snapped their streak of 12 consecutive group-stage victories. However, the Super Falcons completed the group phase without conceding a goal. This feat was last achieved in 1998.

Zambia finished second in Group C. They will pose a formidable test in Thursday’s clash. The team boasts a dynamic attack and seeks revenge for their 2022 semifinal exit to South Africa.

Nigeria, meanwhile, will look to raise their game as they chase a record-extending 10th African title.

Algeria progressed to the quarterfinals as Group B runners-up. They will face the Group C winners in the next round. 

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