2024 Women's AFCON – DR Congo - Senegal: A High-Risk Reunion of Comparable Ambitions
Two intertwined histories
This is only the second time that the DRC and Senegal have met at the WAFCON finals. In 2012 in Malabo, the Leopardesses won 1-0 thanks to a Lucie Nono penalty in the 74th minute. At the time, neither nation had advanced beyond the first round, beaten by South Africa and Equatorial Guinea. 12 years later, the two teams find themselves in very different circumstances, but with the same ambition: to carve out a place for themselves in the African Women's Football scene.
Since this Congolese success, the balance has tipped in favour of the Senegalese. In July 2024, the Lionesses of Teranga won two friendly games against DR Congo in Thiès (1-0, 2-0), demonstrating a reverse dynamic and an increasingly structured Senegalese national team.
Hervé Happy: "We're here to do things, not to try."
On the Congolese side, the message is clear, assertive, and straightforward. Hervé Happy, the Leopardesses' coach refuses to be overly formal. "When I get on a plane, I want a pilot who lands. I do not want a guy who says, 'I'm going to try. I'm not here to try, I'm here to do." The objective is strong, and the determination is straightforward.
For the tactician, this WAFCON is one step towards the larger process leading up to the 2026 edition. But there is no question about wasting the current opportunity. "The preparation was complicated, but now we are here. We are in the competition – focused and ready to make our country proud."
The DR Congo is returning to the WAFCON for the fourth time in their history having debuted in 1998 before returning in 2006 and 2012. Their best performance remains third place in 1998. Since then, the Leopardesses have disappeared from the radar. But this year, signs of a rebirth are there, starting with TP Mazembe's continental triumph in the CAF Women's Champions League last November. A victory on Moroccan soil that inspired an entire team.
Senegal, the rise to power
For Senegal, this WAFCON marks their third appearance in a final tournament after 2012 and 2022. It was a difficult start: zero points, zero goals scored in Equatorial Guinea 12 years ago. But their progress since is visible. In 2022, the Lionesses of Teranga made it past the first round, with victories against Uganda (2-0) and Burkina Faso (1-0), before falling to Morocco and then Zambia in the quarterfinals (1-1, 2-4 on penalties).
Coach Mame Moussa Cissé at the helm of this team since 2019 wants to sustain this momentum. "We have learned. We know our team better, the competition better. This year, we come with the desire to write a new page in the history of Senegalese women's football."
The ambition is clear: to go further than the quarterfinals
In a group that also includes the host country Morocco, every match will count double. Barème Babou, the powerful Senegalese midfielder, knows this. "We get along well together, we are united. Against the DRC, it will be tough. We respect them. But we shall give 200%."
The numbers support her point. Senegal has conceded only two goals in five matches at the WAFCON 2022. And above all, they have shown a mental and defensive solidity that can make the difference. Ndeye Awa Diakhaté scored Senegal's first-ever goal in the finals during the opening match against Uganda in 2022. Since then, the Lionesses have felt they have the right to compete in the big leagues.
On paper, Senegal seems more structured, more consistent. But the DRC has the element of surprise, the emotional intensity of a long-awaited comeback, and a generation carried by the spirit of TP Mazembe.
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