Latest news with #Leopardesses
CAF
4 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
2024 Women's AFCON – DR Congo - Senegal: A High-Risk Reunion of Comparable Ambitions
The moment of reckoning is approaching. This Sunday at 3 p.m. (local time), the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia will host a meaningful and historic clash between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal. A clash between two teams that, while not favourites for the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024, are determined to defy the odds in a tough Group A. For the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is a grand return after a 12-year absence; for Senegal, it's a long-awaited confirmation after a convincing last edition. 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.
CAF
4 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Diop and Ndiaye lead Senegal to commanding win in WAFCON opener
Published: Sunday, 06 July 2025 Senegal laid down a marker in Group A of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 4-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday in Mohammedia. A brace each by Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye in the first half helped the Lionesses of Teranga to the emphatic victory in their first match of this year's competition. Coming into the tournament with rising expectations after reaching the quarter-finals in 2022, Senegal wasted no time asserting their dominance. The Lionesses overwhelmed DR Congo with a relentless first-half display that saw them race into a four-goal lead by the 40th minute, leaving the returning Congolese side shell-shocked. The breakthrough came as early as the fifth minute when striker Mama Diop latched onto a through ball from Méta Kandé and rifled a powerful effort into the roof of the net from distance. It was an early blow to DR Congo's hopes, and it set the tone for a dominant Senegalese display. Nguenar Ndiaye doubled the advantage in the 13th minute, coolly finishing from the centre of the box after a pinpoint pass from goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye. The tempo and movement of Senegal's attack proved too much for the Congolese backline, who struggled to contain the waves of pressure. By the 22nd minute, Mama Diop had her second — and Senegal's third — with a composed finish into the bottom corner, capitalising on a defensive lapse. The fourth came just before the interval, as Ndiaye rose unmarked to head home from a Hapsatou Diallo cross, completing her brace and wrapping up a ruthless first half. To their credit, DR Congo regrouped after the break and created several opportunities, hitting the woodwork through Flavine Mawete and forcing Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye into a string of fine saves. Gloria Mabomba and Naomie Kabakaba also tested the keeper, but a goal eluded the Leopardesses. Senegal eased off the gas in the second half, rotating players and managing the game comfortably as they protected their clean sheet. The result sees them go top of Group A, ahead of Morocco and Zambia who played out a 2-2 draw in the opening game. For DR Congo, back at WAFCON after a 12-year absence, this was a harsh reminder of the level required to compete. Their next fixture becomes a must-win if they are to keep qualification hopes alive. Senegal, meanwhile, look every bit like quarter-final contenders once again.
