The hunter becomes the hunted as reigning champions South Africa kick off their WAFCON 2024 campaign against Ghana on Monday at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco.

After clinching their historic first title in 2022, Banyana Banyana return with a target on their backs. Coach Desiree Ellis, leading the side in her fourth WAFCON as head coach, acknowledges the heightened expectations. “This is a new tournament. Teams have evolved. We’re contenders like everyone else,” she said.

Captain Refiloe Jane emphasised the importance of a strong start: “Ghana are a powerhouse. We want to win the opener to set the tone.”

South Africa’s squad blends experienced stars like Jane, Linda Motlhalo, and Jermaine Seoposenwe, with promising newcomers such as Ronnel Donnelly. With back-to-back group-stage wins over Nigeria in previous editions, the team brims with belief.

For Ghana, this marks a return to WAFCON after missing the 2022 edition. Head coach Kim Björkegren, in charge since January, sees the tournament as a fresh start. “We’re the dark horses in Group C. There’s quality in this squad,” he said.

Veteran Portia Boakye leads a largely new-look team featuring debutants like Evelyn Badu and Comfort Yeboah. Goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan added: “We’re underdogs, but we want to win.”

The match renews one of WAFCON’s oldest rivalries. Ghana and South Africa first met at the inaugural tournament in 1998 and have since clashed seven times, with Ghana holding four wins to South Africa’s two.

As the champions aim to protect their crown, Ghana seek redemption — setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in Group C.

Esther Okoronkwo was named Woman of the Match following her standout performance in Nigeria’s 3-0 win over Tunisia in their opening Group B fixture at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night in Casablanca.

The Super Falcons, led by coach Justine Madugu, began their title quest in dominant fashion at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, with goals from Asisat Oshoala, Omorinsola Babajide, and substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo sealing a comfortable victory.

Okoronkwo, who came on as a second-half substitute for Babajide, made an instant impact with her elegant touches, sharp movement, and creative link-up play. The 28-year-old forward nearly added her name to the scoresheet, rattling the crossbar with a powerful effort in the 68th minute.

Her performance earned praise from fans and analysts alike, as she added energy and flair to Nigeria’s attacking play in the second half. Sunday’s appearance marked her 15th cap for the Super Falcons, and she remains on six international goals.

Nigeria will next face Botswana on Thursday, with Okoronkwo likely to play an increasingly important role as the tournament progresses.

Super Falcons forward Rinsola Babajide paid an emotional tribute to the late Liverpool player Diogo Jota after scoring her debut goal for Nigeria in their 3-0 victory over Tunisia at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca.

Babajide, who formerly played for Liverpool Women and made 40 appearances between 2018 and 2022, found the net in first-half stoppage time to double Nigeria’s lead in the Group B opener. It was her first official outing for the Nigerian national team, and she marked it in memorable fashion — not only with a goal but with a heartfelt gesture.

After scoring, the Spain-based forward dropped to the turf and celebrated in the signature pose of Jota, who tragically died in a car accident last Thursday. The tribute resonated with many, as Babajide had shared the Liverpool connection with the Portuguese international during her time at the club.

“It was a very emotional moment for me,” Babajide said after the match. “Diogo Jota was a great player and a true Red. That celebration was for him.”

The 26-year-old’s performance was one of the standout moments of Nigeria’s dominant win, as the Super Falcons kicked off their campaign with a strong statement of intent.

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