WAFCON
WAFCON 2024: Defending Champions South Africa Face Tricky Senegal Test in Oudja
Defending champions South Africa will continue their title defence with a quarterfinal showdown against Senegal on Saturday at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024, as both teams clash in Oudja in what is only their second-ever meeting in the competition—and their first in a knockout round.
Their only previous encounter came in the 2012 group stage in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, where South Africa emerged 1-0 winners thanks to a 70th-minute strike from Andisiwe Mcgoyi. A dozen years on, much has changed, but Banyana Banyana’s dominance over West African sides remains remarkably intact.
South Africa: Knockout Pedigree and Defensive Steel
The reigning champions enter the last eight on the back of a commanding 4-0 win over Mali that sealed top spot in Group C and extended their unbeaten run in open play at WAFCON to 14 matches (W11 D3). That run includes victories over traditional heavyweights like Nigeria (twice), Mali (twice), and Ghana, with the only blemish being a 0-0 draw in the 2018 final, which they lost on penalties to Nigeria.
Under coach Desiree Ellis, South Africa have become a formidable tournament team. They have now reached the knockout rounds in 11 WAFCON editions—including the last nine consecutively—and have won their last three knockout matches, all by a single-goal margin and all with clean sheets.
In direct knockout matches under Ellis, South Africa have an unblemished record:
- 2018 Semifinal: 2-0 vs Mali
- 2022 Quarterfinal: 1-0 vs Tunisia
- 2022 Semifinal: 1-0 vs Zambia
Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini has been in fine form, keeping clean sheets in both her appearances at the current tournament and making 10 saves—just one shy of her total from the entire 2022 campaign. Meanwhile, defender Lebogang Ramalepe has contributed directly to three goals (1 goal, 2 assists) and created a team-high six chances.
Senegal: Searching for History Amid Inconsistency
Senegal, meanwhile, are seeking to break new ground. After reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in 2022, they have returned to the last eight but will be hoping to go one better this time by reaching their first-ever WAFCON semifinal. Their only previous knockout experience came in 2022 when they took Zambia to penalties after a 1-1 draw but lost the shootout.
The current campaign began brightly for the Lionesses of Teranga with a resounding 4-0 win over DR Congo. However, back-to-back losses to Zambia (3-2) and hosts Morocco (1-0) have left questions about their defensive solidity and consistency. They have now lost four of their last five WAFCON games (W1 D1 L4).
Interestingly, Senegal’s matches have been high on early drama: seven of the 10 goals (scored and conceded) in their three group-stage matches came in the first half. They are yet to feature in a 0-0 draw in WAFCON history, and all signs point to another open contest in Oudja.
Head-to-Head and Tactical Insight
South Africa’s superiority in knockout matches and their excellent record against West African opposition (five wins and a draw since 2016 in open play) gives them a clear psychological edge. They’ve conceded only once in their last six such matches, scoring 11 goals in the process.
Senegal’s struggle against Southern African sides is notable—they’ve faced Zambia twice (one draw, one loss) and lost their only game against South Africa. Their attack can be potent, especially early in matches, but their defence has conceded six times in their last three WAFCON games.
What’s at Stake
Victory for South Africa would put them in their 11th WAFCON semifinal, cementing their status as the continent’s most consistent performers. For Senegal, a win would mark a historic breakthrough into the tournament’s final four—a milestone that has so far eluded them.
Key Players to Watch
- South Africa: Andile Dlamini (GK), Lebogang Ramalepe (DF), Linda Motlhalo (MF), Jermaine Seoposenwe (FW)
- Senegal: Hapsatou Diallo (FW), Nguenar Ndiaye (FW), Tenning Sene (MF), Safietou Sagna (DF)
Kickoff Time:
Saturday, July 20, 2024 – 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT)
Venue: Oudja, Morocco
Expect a tightly contested affair, but South Africa’s experience, discipline, and history in the latter stages could once again prove decisive.
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By Kunle Solaja.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been postponed, with Africa’s football governing body announcing new dates for the tournament in Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football confirmed that the 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will now take place from 25 July to 16 August 2026, instead of the earlier scheduled dates of 17 March to 3 April 2026.
Morocco was awarded the hosting rights for the continental showpiece in October 2024, with preparations already underway for what is expected to be one of the biggest editions of the competition. It doubles as the qualification tournament for the Women’s World Cup, as the top four finishers will feature in the global event.
CAF said the decision to move the tournament followed consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders.
In a statement, CAF explained that the adjustment was made “to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”
Although the organisation did not elaborate on the nature of those circumstances, the rescheduling shifts the tournament to the traditional mid-year international football window, which is often more favourable for player availability and logistics.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is the continent’s flagship women’s football competition and serves as a crucial platform for the development and visibility of the women’s game in Africa.
Morocco, which successfully hosted the 2022 edition of the tournament, is expected to leverage its modern stadium infrastructure and growing reputation as a major football events destination to deliver another high-profile competition.
CAF expressed confidence that the revised schedule will allow all stakeholders to adequately prepare for the tournament.
“Preparations for the WAFCON 2026 are underway, and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful,” the governing body stated.
The tournament will bring together Africa’s top women’s national teams competing for continental supremacy, with the rescheduling expected to give organisers additional time to ensure optimal preparations for the event.
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The Confederation of African Football has announced that it will issue an official communication within the next 48 hours regarding the situation surrounding the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
In a brief message posted on social media, CAF indicated that the matter has been under extensive discussion in recent weeks and is currently receiving urgent attention at the highest levels of the organisation.
“CAF will communicate within the next 48 hours on the situation regarding the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON26. There have been several discussions over the past weeks. The matter is receiving urgent and high-level attention,” the confederation stated.
Although CAF did not provide specific details about the issue under review, the statement suggests that senior officials within the continental governing body are working toward a resolution.
The development has sparked anticipation across the African football community, particularly among national teams preparing for the women’s continental championship.
The Confederation of African Football is expected to clarify the circumstances and outline the next steps for the tournament when it releases its official update within the stipulated timeframe.
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Reigning African champions Nigeria produced a commanding response, defeating Cameroon 3–1 on Tuesday in the second of their pre-WAFCON international friendlies in Yaounde.
Three days after suffering a narrow 1–0 loss at the Military Stadium, the Super Falcons returned to the same venue. They delivered a far more assured performance, underlining their pedigree as perennial continental powerhouses.
Head Coach Justin Madugu rang the changes, making seven alterations to the starting line-up that featured in Saturday’s defeat. However, it was Cameroon who struck first again, netting in the seventh minute to momentarily raise concerns of a repeat setback.
Nigeria responded with composure and growing authority.
Forward Chinwendu Ihezuo restored parity in the 32nd minute, rising above her marker to power home a header from a well-delivered cross by Rinsola Babajide. The equaliser settled the Falcons, who began to dictate tempo and press with greater coordination.
Just before the break, the comeback was completed. After a scramble inside the Cameroonian box, Babajide reacted quickest to fire home in the 43rd minute, turning provider into scorer to give Nigeria a 2–1 lead at halftime.
Madugu’s reshaped midfield proved decisive, pressing higher up the pitch, shutting down central channels and forcing the Lionesses into speculative long balls.
The Falcons extended their advantage in the 64th minute. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, influential down the right flank, delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area. Michelle Alozie attacked the ball with conviction, launching into a flying header that made it 3–1 and effectively sealed the contest.
Both sides treated the two-match series as crucial preparation for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.
For Nigeria, the emphatic victory not only avenged Saturday’s defeat but also reaffirmed their status as Africa’s benchmark in women’s football heading into the continental showpiece.
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