South Africa and Ghana delivered emphatic victories on Monday night to complete the quarterfinal lineup at the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), joining Nigeria, Zambia, Morocco, Algeria, Mali, and Senegal in the knockout phase.
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, the reigning champions, underlined their title credentials with a commanding 4-0 win over Mali in Oujda. Coach Desiree Ellis’ side were in full control from the first whistle, capitalizing on poor Malian defending to take an early lead through Lebohang Ramalepe, who converted a cross from Jermaine Seoposenwe in just the fifth minute.
Captain Refiloe Jane doubled the lead before halftime with a well-taken direct free-kick, moments before Mali’s injured goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao was substituted. Her replacement, Alima Cisse, was soon picking the ball out of the net as Hildah Magaia finished off a flowing team move in the 61st minute.
Teenager Ronnel Donnelly then put the icing on the cake with a sensational solo goal in the 79th minute, sealing a victory that sends South Africa through in style and sets up a high-stakes quarterfinal clash with Senegal.
In the other Group C showdown, Ghana’s Black Queens outclassed tournament debutants Tanzania with a dominant 4-1 victory in Berkane. Princella Adubea gave Ghana an early lead by charging down a clearance from goalkeeper Najiat Idrisa. Stumai Athumani briefly raised Twiga Stars’ hopes with a clever equaliser before the break, but Ghana restored order in the second half.
Alice Kusi scored from the spot in the 63rd minute after Princess Marfo was brought down, and further goals from Evelyn Badu (87’) and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah (90’) wrapped up a deserved win. The result sees Ghana finish second in the group behind South Africa, while Tanzania exit the tournament with two losses & a draw from three.
With the group stage now concluded, the WAFCON 2024 quarterfinals are officially set, featuring four heavyweight clashes:
Quarterfinal Fixtures (All times EAT)
Friday, July 19th
Nigeria vs Zambia Casablanca, 7:00 PM EAT
Morocco vs Mali — Rabat, 10:00 PM EAT
Saturday, July 20
Algeria vs Ghana — Berkane, 7:00 PM EAT
South Africa vs Senegal — Oujda, 10:00 PM EAT
