Senegal, Nigeria impress; Banyana too strong for Ghana

Matchday 1 of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) wrapped up on Monday evening, with the notable performances through the first six fixtures coming from Senegal and Nigeria, while reigning champions South Africa got the better of Ghana to open the defence of their title.

The tournament opened on Saturday night with host nation Morocco twice coming from behind to hold Zambia 2-2.

The Copper Queens led 1-0 and 2-1 thanks to goals from Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, but the Atlas Lionesses secured a share of the spoils on the back of equalisers from Ibtissam Jraidi and Ghizlane Chebbak.

Sunday’s second Group A game saw Senegal make a statement of intent with a 4-0 thrashing of DR Congo, thanks to a brace apiece from Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye – leaping to the top of the standings.

Sunday also featured Group B matches in which Nigeria eased past Tunisia 3-0 (goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide and Chinwendu Ihezuo) and Algeria secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Botswana – thanks to Ghoutia Karchouni’s early strike.

Monday’s Group C matches got under way in Oujda with reigning champions South Africa overcoming Ghana’s Black Queens 2-0.

 Banyana Banyana got their quest to claim back-to-back continental triumphs off to a fine start thanks to first-half goals from Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe.

Matchday 1 was wrapped up in Berkane with the second Group C match as Mali defeated Tanzania 1-0 at the Berkane Stadium, courtesy of a goal in injury time before the break from Saratou Traore.

The WAFCON will resume on Wednesday 9 July with Group A games pitting DR Congo against tournament hosts Morocco in Casablanca and Zambia against Senegal in Mohammedia.

WAFCON MATCHDAY 1 RESULTS

Saturday 5 July

Morocco 2-2 Zambia

Sunday 6 July

Senegal 4-0 DR Congo

Nigeria 3-0 Tunisia

Algeria 1-0 Botswana

Monday 7 July

South Africa 2-0 Ghana

Mali 1-0 Tanzania