BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

The group stage of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2025 has concluded. Eight teams are still competing for continental glory.

With four quarterfinal clashes spread over two days, fans can expect high drama. There will be intense rivalries. Dreams are on the line as teams battle for a place in the semifinals. For some, it’s about qualification to the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Here’s a breakdown of the quarterfinal matchups and what to expect from each clash:

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Nigeria vs Zambia

Friday July 18, 2025 | Time: 17:00 |  Venue: Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca

This tie promises to be one of the standout encounters of the quarterfinals. Nine-time champions Nigeria, ever the tournament heavyweights, face a rising Zambian side brimming with confidence and attacking flair.

The Super Falcons have shown tactical discipline and squad depth under coach Justin Madugu, while Zambia’s Copper Queens, led by star striker Barbra Banda, continue to prove they are no pushovers in African women’s football.

Zambia will be looking to avenge their semi-final loss to Nigeria in 2022 and prove they can go toe-to-toe with Africa’s most decorated women’s team. The physical battle in midfield and pace on the flanks could be decisive.

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Morocco vs Mali

Friday, July 18, 2025 |  Time: 20:00 |  Venue: Stade Olympique, Rabat

Host nation Morocco will enjoy passionate home support under the Rabat lights as they clash with Mali in what promises to be a tactical chess match. The Atlas Lionesses, runners-up in 2022, have grown in maturity and cohesion, and will look to harness their home advantage to reach the semifinals once again.

Mali, however, will not be overawed. They have shown grit and resilience in their journey so far and will aim to upset the hosts with disciplined defending and counterattacks. A tight contest could come down to moments of individual brilliance or a set-piece decider.

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Algeria vs Ghana

Saturday July 19, 2025 |  Time: 17:00 |  Venue: Berkane Stadium, Berkane

Ghana’s Black Queens head into this clash as slight favourites after a strong group-stage campaign, but they will be wary of a spirited Algerian side that has shown defensive tenacity. Ghana boasts a balanced squad with firepower from the likes of Evelyn Badu and Princella Adubea, and will look to control the tempo early.

Algeria, meanwhile, will need to absorb pressure and take their chances efficiently. With both teams chasing a semifinal return after years of near misses, the intensity will be high. This is a match where experience and composure may outweigh flair.

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South Africa vs Senegal

Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 🕗 Time: 20:00 |  Venue: Stade de l’Honneur, Oujda

Defending champions South Africa are on a mission to retain their crown, and their commanding performance in the group stage suggests they remain the team to beat. Led by experienced stars like Refiloe Jane and Hildah Magaia, Banyana Banyana bring pace, precision, and tactical clarity to every match.

Senegal, however, are quietly gaining momentum and will relish the underdog tag. Their physicality and disciplined structure could pose challenges, especially if they frustrate South Africa and force errors. Expect a battle of styles: South Africa’s flowing football versus Senegal’s structured solidity.

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What’s at Stake?

Beyond semifinal places, the WAFCON quarterfinals are crucial as the top four teams will also secure automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup. For teams like Zambia and Mali, it’s a chance to make history. For Nigeria and South Africa, it’s about legacy and dominance. And for Morocco, it’s the weight and pride of hosting a nation’s hopes.

As knockout football begins, expect surprises, heart-stopping moments, and African women’s football at its most thrilling.

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As the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) enters the quarterfinal stage, four teams—DR Congo, Tunisia, Tanzania, and Botswana—exit the competition, but not without leaving a lasting impression through memorable performances and unwavering determination.

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Botswana’s Comeback Falls Just Short

Despite a spirited 2-1 comeback win against Tunisia, Botswana’s journey ended heartbreakingly on July 14 in Casablanca. 

With hopes of a quarterfinal spot still alive, the Mares watched their fate slip away after Ghana’s commanding 4-1 victory over Tanzania secured the final qualification ticket.

Botswana had fallen behind 1-0 at halftime but rallied with resilience and unity to turn the game around. Though their elimination stung, the team departed with heads held high, having showcased immense character.

Flavine Mawete’s Moment of Brilliance

In front of 21,000 Moroccan fans at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Flavine Mawete delivered one of the tournament’s most iconic moments. 

Facing a sea of red and green support for the host nation, the DR Congo winger held her nerve and unleashed a stunning left-footed strike to equalize against Morocco, momentarily silencing the crowd.

The 25-year-old’s goal stood out not just as a technical feat, but as a symbol of defiance and belief, earning her a place in the hearts of fans and in the annals of the tournament.

Tanzania Push Defending Champions to the Brink

The Twiga Stars nearly caused a major upset against reigning champions South Africa. Opa Clement gave Tanzania a deserved lead in the 24th minute, capitalizing on their disciplined defensive shape and the industrious midfield work of Diana Msewa.

South Africa struggled to break through until the 70th minute when Bambanani Mbane salvaged a 1-1 draw with a powerful strike from a poorly cleared corner. The result felt like a moral victory for Tanzania, who proved their mettle against elite opposition.

Tunisian Fans Bring Home Atmosphere to Morocco

Tunisia may not have advanced, but their supporters were among the loudest of the tournament. Over 1,700 kilometers from Tunis, the stands at Stade Père Jégo in Casablanca echoed with chants, flags, and unrelenting support for the Carthage Eagles.

“We felt their energy from the warm-up,” said Captain Chaima Abbassi after their final match. 

“It gave us a tremendous boost.” The fans’ passion turned every Tunisian fixture into a home-like atmosphere, further fueling their players’ performances. A Brave Exit, A Promising Future

Though their WAFCON 2024 campaigns have ended, the efforts of DR Congo, Tunisia, Tanzania, and Botswana have enriched the tournament. Each side exits with pride, having fought valiantly and inspired many with their heart, passion, and progress.

-CAFonline

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The Black Queens of Ghana surged into the knockout stages of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024.

They achieved an emphatic 4–1 win over Tanzania on Monday evening. This was thanks to a dominant second-half display.

Ghana started brightly and took the lead in the 12th minute. Princella Adubea fired home from the centre of the box. This rewarded her side’s early attacking intent.

Tanzania, however, responded with resilience and found the equaliser just before halftime. Stumai Athumani capitalised on a well-placed header from Enekia Lunyamila to level the score at 1–1 going into the break.

The second half belonged entirely to the Black Queens. Ghana regained the lead in the 63rd minute after Princess Marfo was brought down inside the area. Alice Kusi stepped up and coolly converted from the penalty spot to restore Ghana’s advantage.

As the Tanzanian defence began to tire, Ghana turned up the pressure. Evelyn Badu made it 3–1 in the 87th minute, tapping in from close range after a set-piece routine unsettled the opposition defence.

Substitute Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah sealed the win in stoppage time, capping a swift counterattack with a composed finish to put the result beyond doubt.

Despite a spirited first-half effort, Tanzania were unable to cope with Ghana’s pace and precision after the break. The Black Queens advance confidently to the quarterfinals. This reaffirms their status as one of the tournament’s top contenders.

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