WAFCON
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana Win WAFCON 2024 Fair Play Award for Exemplary Conduct
While South Africa’s Banyana Banyana fell short of defending their title at the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), they bowed out with honour, earning the prestigious Fair Play Award for their exemplary conduct throughout the tournament in Morocco.
The award, bestowed by the CAF Technical Study Group, is based on a detailed points system that evaluates on-field behaviour, respect for opponents and officials, and overall positive commitment. South Africa tallied an impressive 510 points — a testament to their discipline, sportsmanship, and unwavering respect for the spirit of the game.
A Team That Embodies Sporting Values
Under the guidance of head coach Desiree Ellis, South Africa once again demonstrated why they remain one of the most respected sides in African women’s football. Refiloe Jane and her teammates maintained remarkable composure throughout the competition — avoiding reckless challenges, refraining from excessive protests, and upholding the values of fair competition, even during high-stakes encounters.
Their measured response during tense moments, including the goalless quarterfinal against Senegal (which they won on penalties) and a dramatic semifinal loss to Nigeria, highlighted their maturity and sportsmanship. Despite narrowly missing out on the final, Banyana Banyana’s gracious acceptance of defeat earned them widespread admiration.
A Solid Sporting Campaign
On the pitch, South Africa once again proved their quality. Drawn in Group C, they opened their campaign with a confident 2-0 win over Ghana, followed by a 1-1 draw with Tanzania. A resounding 4-0 victory over Mali secured their place in the quarterfinals.
In the knockout stage, they edged Senegal via penalties after a goalless draw, showcasing tactical intelligence and emotional control. Although their bid to reach a second consecutive final was halted by Nigeria in a narrow 2-1 semifinal defeat, South Africa’s performance reinforced their status as one of the continent’s elite teams.
A Culture of Respect and Discipline
This is not the first time South Africa has been recognised for its ethical approach to football. Under the leadership of Desiree Ellis — a former captain and three-time CAF African Women’s Coach of the Year — Banyana Banyana have cultivated a culture rooted in teamwork, discipline, and mutual respect.
The Fair Play Award at WAFCON 2024 serves as a fitting tribute to a team that consistently values honour over hostility, and who continue to set a standard both on and off the field.
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Moroccan captain Ghizlane Chebbak has once again etched her name into African football folklore, claiming the Golden Boot at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a dazzling campaign on home soil.
The 34-year-old forward scored five goals during the tournament to secure the PUMA Golden Boot—becoming the competition’s top scorer for a second consecutive edition, following her earlier triumph at WAFCON 2022. In doing so, she becomes only the second player in the tournament’s history to achieve back-to-back top scorer honours.
Chebbak’s latest accolade adds another chapter to a remarkable career that mirrors the legacy of her father, Larbi Chebbak, a member of Morocco’s victorious 1976 Africa Cup of Nations squad.
While Larbi made his mark in the men’s game, Ghizlane has become a trailblazer in women’s football, inspiring a new generation of Moroccan players.
Chebbak wasted no time in asserting her influence at the tournament. She delivered a commanding performance in Morocco’s opening match against Zambia and truly stole the spotlight in the group clash against the Democratic Republic of Congo, where she netted a clinical hat-trick, showcasing her lethal combination of movement, technique, and finishing ability.
Even in games where she didn’t score, such as against Mali and Ghana, her leadership and influence were undeniable.
Whether through precise link-up play or her vocal presence on the field, Chebbak remained the heartbeat of the Atlas Lionesses throughout the tournament.
A Goal to Remember
Chebbak’s defining moment came in the final against Nigeria at the Stade Olympique in Rabat. Just 13 minutes into the match, she collected the ball on the edge of the area, controlled it expertly, and fired a low shot past Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie to give Morocco an early lead in a match that would finish 3-2 in favour of the Super Falcons.
Though Morocco ultimately fell short, Chebbak’s strike highlighted her enduring class and big-match temperament.
A Lasting Legacy
By winning her second WAFCON Golden Boot, Chebbak has further solidified her legacy as one of the continent’s all-time greats. Her contributions transcend the pitch—she is a mentor, a symbol of progress, and a leading figure in the rise of women’s football in Morocco.
As the Moroccan Football Federation continues to invest in the women’s game, Chebbak’s impact as both a player and role model will resonate for years to come.
And with performances like those in Morocco 2024, the veteran forward has shown she still has plenty more to offer.
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By KUNLE SOLAJA.
Moroccan monarch, King Mohammed VI has expressed immense pride in the performance of Morocco’s national women’s football team, following their impressive run to the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which concluded on Saturday night.
The home team lost to Nigeria who fought back from two goals down at half time to win 3-2.
In a message of congratulations, the Sovereign lauded the Atlas Lionesses for their brilliant showing at the tournament, highlighting their achievement of reaching the final as a proud moment for the Kingdom.
He also commended Morocco’s successful hosting of the championship, noting that the warm hospitality and excellent organization reflected the nation’s values and capacity to stage world-class events.
The King paid special tribute to the team’s unwavering spirit of competitiveness and deep sense of patriotism displayed throughout the tournament.
He praised the players’ determination to uphold Morocco’s growing presence on the continental and global football stages, while serving as worthy ambassadors of Moroccan women’s sport.
His Majesty further extended his appreciation to all who contributed to the team’s success — including the players, coaches, medical and administrative staff — and offered prayers for their continued triumphs in future competitions.
The Sovereign concluded by reaffirming his continued support and High care for the national team, encouraging them to pursue greater glory and meet the aspirations of Moroccan fans eager for more titles and international success.
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WAFCON
Mission X accomplished as Super Falcons Stage Stunning Comeback to Clinch Historic 10th WAFCON Title
Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered one of the most dramatic comebacks in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) history on Saturday night, overturning a 2-0 halftime deficit to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 and secure their 10th continental title at the Stade Olympique in Rabat.
In a performance reminiscent of the B team of Super Eagles’ famous 4-3 comeback win over Morocco at the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the Falcons displayed grit, resilience, and championship pedigree to silence a partisan Moroccan crowd and reaffirm their status as the undisputed queens of African football.
The victory not only earned Nigeria the newly unveiled WAFCON trophy but also marked their milestone 10th title — symbolically represented by the Roman numeral ‘X’ — further cementing their dominance in African women’s football.
The final, billed as a clash of the continent’s past and future, saw the Atlas Lionesses take a commanding lead in the first half.
Morocco’s captain, Ghizlane Chebbak, opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a superb long-range effort that beat Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Twelve minutes later, Sanaâ Mssoudy doubled the advantage, slotting home after a precise through-ball from Ibtissam Jraidi.
Stunned and two goals down, the Super Falcons returned from the break with renewed urgency. Coach Justin Madugu’s halftime rally proved pivotal, as Nigeria came out fighting in the second half.
The comeback began in the 61st minute when a VAR review awarded Nigeria a penalty following a handball by Nouhaila Benzina. Esther Okoronkwo stepped up and coolly converted to halve the deficit.
Buoyed by the goal, Nigeria ramped up the pressure. In the 71st minute, Okoronkwo turned provider, threading a pass through to Folashade Ijamilusi, who struck a powerful left-footed shot into the bottom corner to level the scores.
With the match seemingly heading for extra time, the Falcons struck the decisive blow in the 88th minute. From a well-rehearsed set piece, Okoronkwo delivered a precise assist for Jenifer Echegini, who calmly fired home the winner to complete the stunning turnaround.
Morocco pressed hard for an equaliser in the dying minutes, but Nigeria’s defence held firm to secure a famous victory.
It was a heartbreaking end for Morocco, managed by former Spain coach Jorge Vilda, as they fell just short of claiming their maiden WAFCON crown.
Still, the Atlas Lionesses earned plaudits for their impressive run and will take pride in their growing reputation on the continental stage.
But the night ultimately belonged to the Super Falcons. Their triumph was a powerful reminder of their enduring excellence, resilience under pressure, and unshakeable status as the gold standard in African women’s football.
With 10 titles from 13 editions, Nigeria’s reign continues — and they did it in the most
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