Tanzania’s Twiga Stars made a historic debut at the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), but their first taste of continental action ended in heartbreak. Representing the CECAFA region, Tanzania fell 1-0 to Mali in a tightly contested Group C encounter played at the Stade Municipal De Berkane.
After holding their own for most of the first half, Tanzania were undone in stoppage time by a defensive lapse that allowed Mali’s Saratou Traore to slot home from close range. While the Twiga Stars left empty-handed, their spirited performance showed glimpses of potential ahead of their remaining group matches.
The 2024 edition of WAFCON is being staged in Morocco and features 12 of the continent’s strongest teams, divided into three groups:
Group A: Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, DR Congo
Group B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, Botswana
Group C: South Africa, Ghana, Mali, Tanzania
Hosts Morocco opened the tournament with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Zambia. The Copper Queens led twice through Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, but Morocco equalized through Ibtissam Jraidi (penalty) and Ghizlane Chebbak. In the same group, Senegal made an emphatic start, cruising to a 4-0 win over DR Congo courtesy of braces from Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye.
In Group B, Nigeria’s Super Falcons underlined their title ambitions with a commanding 3-0 win over Tunisia, with goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and Chinwendu Ihezuo. Algeria edged Botswana 1-0, thanks to a 10th-minute goal by Ghoutia Karchouni.
Defending champions South Africa were solid in their Group C opener, defeating Ghana 2-0 through Thembi Kgatlana and Jermaine Seoposenwe, while Mali’s narrow victory over Tanzania completed the opening round of matches.
Beyond the action on the pitch, CAF has significantly increased prize money for this year’s edition, reflecting its commitment to raising the profile of women’s football. The champions will take home USD 1,000,000, runners-up USD 500,000, third place USD 350,000, and fourth place USD 300,000. Quarterfinalists will earn USD 200,000, while third and fourth-placed teams in the group stages will receive USD 150,000 and USD 125,000 respectively.
The second round of group matches begins today, with teams looking to build momentum or bounce back from early stumbles.
Round Two Fixtures
