Latest news with #RachealKundananji
The Guardian
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Barbra Banda on Zambia's progress at Wafcon: ‘We have a really good feeling'
Having missed the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations as a result of a controversy over the DSD (difference in sex development) test guidelines set by the Confederation of African Football, Barbra Banda was tight-lipped about her feelings as the Copper Queens won bronze without her. Now she is back though. She has scored three goals in Zambia's Wafcon campaign, with the first coming 58 seconds into the tournament's opening game, against hosts Morocco. Banda, who doubles as the Copper Queens captain and attacking pivot, alongside the equally lethal Racheal Kundananji, can finally breathe a huge sigh of relief. 'It really means a lot for me to be here and to be a part of the team. And being with the team. We have a good feeling,' the reigning African women's player of the year tells the Guardian at the Larbi Zaouli stadium, where Zambia will face Nigeria's Super Falcons, the nine-time African champions, for a place in the semi-finals on Friday. 'It's good to have a [personal] title, being the African Player of the Year,' the 25-year-old says. 'But my main motivation is to keep working so hard to get more titles for myself and especially for my teammates. Without them, I will not have these titles. Everything comes from their support and encouragement. Putting on this [national team] shirt, putting on this [Zambia] badge, means everything to me … I need to show people why I am here.' Banda's sterling form at the Wafcon, however, has not enabled the striker to completely drop her guard and express true feelings about how painful it has been to be accused of being a man in a woman's game. After her selection as the 2024 BBC Women's Footballer of the Year, JK Rowling, the renowned author, described the award to Banda, in a tweet, as spitting 'directly in women's faces'. There were reports that she had failed gender eligibility tests, prompting her withdrawal from the 2018 and 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. But the Confederation of African Football have said she did not take a sex eligibility test and was withdrawn by the Football Association of Zambia. Banda says: 'I don't think I would say much [about these remarks] because, at the end of the day, it's football that we are playing,' she says. 'Whatever comes, we are hoping for the best, for each African women's team, to progress and to get that respect that you are talking about. It starts step by step.' The Nigeria defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who has the job of keeping Banda quiet during the quarter-final in Casablanca, praised the Copper Queens captain for weathering the storm of controversy while still displaying great form for NWSL side Orlando Pride. 'Even though I do not know her personally, I have a lot of respect for her, because I can imagine that anybody going through that would find it very tough,' Plumptre says. 'But she has been able to silence everybody as she continues to come out and perform, even with a smile on her face. You can see that her team and country gets behind her. The women's football world got behind her as well.' Sign up to Moving the Goalposts No topic is too small or too big for us to cover as we deliver a twice-weekly roundup of the wonderful world of women's football after newsletter promotion Nothing matters more to Banda, at the moment, than the dream of captaining Zambia to a first Wafcon title, which would be the country's second African title overall, after the Chipolopolo, Zambia's male national team, won the 2012 Afcon. 'It would mean a lot to our country,' she says. 'Everybody back home is waiting for this title and they are cheering us on. Their support keeps on pushing us.' During the pre-match press conference the Zambia coach, Nora Hauptle, was asked to describe the importance of Banda to her team. Hauptle turned towards Banda and said: 'It is strange for me to talk to you about Barbra, who is sitting next to me … For me, Barbra is an absolutely top athlete but also a top human [being]. I was also curious when I came to Zambia, because I didn't know who she was and I needed to get a feeling for her. She is one of the top athletes in the world, in terms of her behaviour, on and off the pitch … I have never seen Barbra display an arrogant attitude. She is very professional and she never complains.' Looking directly at Banda, Hauptle added: 'I think you're on course to win, one day, the Ballon d'Or.'
BBC News
16-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Meet the sides bidding for a place in Wafcon 2024 semi-finals
After a group stage containing 45 goals and top spots for big-hitters Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa, the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) are about to team won all of their first three matches, although Zambia and Algeria joined the group winners in remaining undefeated, while Ghana also progressed as runners-up despite losing their and Senegal advanced as the two best third-placed sides and are now seeking significant upsets and the reward of a place in the final playing who? When and where are the matches and what do the coaches and players make of their chances?BBC Sport Africa previews the last-eight ties coming up across the first two days of knockout stage action in Morocco. Nigeria vs Zambia (Friday, 16:00 GMT) Nine-time champions Nigeria have never failed to reach the Wafcon semi-finals but coach Justine Madugu says goals are a "concern" after scoring once since their opening game."There is no room for errors," said Madugu, backing a team who are yet to concede."We must be 100% - psychologically, physically, tactically."Zambia scored seven goals and conceded four on their way to matching Nigeria's tally of seven points, with strikers Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji notching three apiece. Banda hopes to emulate Zambia's men, who won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 after a fairytale run."It would be a great moment for Zambia," the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year told Newsday on the BBC World Service."Remembering 2012, this year now it can be us, the ladies, so we are hoping for that and we are aiming for it as a team."However, Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is not fazed by the threat posed by Banda and Kundananji."I've been watching them, trying to study them," she Super Falcons star said."As a goalkeeper, you need to expect anything. Trust me, I'm ready for them."The sides met at the 2022 finals, when Zambia won 1-0 to finish third. Morocco vs Mali (Friday, 19:00 GMT) A 1-0 victory over Senegal ensured Morocco's path to the final avoids Nigeria and South Africa, with four-goal captain Ghizlane Chebbak the prize candidate to trouble a Mali side who lost their third match 4-0 to South Atlas Lionesses conceded twice in each of their first two games against Zambia and DR Congo, and coach Jorge Vilda - a 2023 World Cup winner with Spain - said his players are "happy but not euphoric" after their first clean sheet of the will be hoping captain Fatoumata Karentao recovers from an injury that forced the goalkeeper to be substituted against Banyana Eagles coach Mohamed Saloum says he and his players remain determined to build on their run to the semi-finals in 2018."From the quarter-finals, we will really see the true quality of the teams," predicted Saloum, who took charge in 2017."We rely heavily on our quality. We don't care about the physical challenge or anything else." Algeria vs Ghana (Saturday, 16:00 GMT) Unbeaten Algeria are in the knockout stages for the first time under the astute tactical guidance of Farid Benstiti."I'm not surprised at all," former Lyon and Paris St-Germain boss reflected, having chosen "defensive principles" over attacking instincts to earn a 0-0 draw against Nigeria."I know the quality of these players - they are brave, very good technically and intelligent."With the Fennecs yet to concede, Benstiti acknowledged that pragmatic tactics could be required again during knockout matches."The strategy was efficient because we really wanted not to lose," the French-Algerian added."I learned a lot about my team and it will help me when I'm deciding whether to use a compact block."Ghana ended the group stage by scoring three times inside the final 28 minutes of their 4-1 win over three-time finalists are aiming to make an eighth semi-final appearance and avenge a 2-1 defeat during the 2018 group stage, when Mali advanced at their expense."We know we have the potential to go all the way," said coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren."[Towards] the end of a tournament, every game is like a final." South Africa vs Senegal (Saturday, 20:00 GMT) Helped by an exquisite free-kick from captain Refiloe Jane, South Africa's commanding win over Mali left coach Desiree Ellis praising a "statement" who has guided her team to the top of their group at the last three tournaments, is wary of a Senegal team who thrashed DR Congo before losing by a goal to Zambia and Morocco."It's one moment of magic, one moment of madness or even a mistake by someone, and that's it," warned Ellis."We have to be on top of our game... we've got to do even better."While seven different players have netted for South Africa, four of Senegal's goals have come from joint tournament top scorer Nguenar Ndiaye."The objective is to pass this milestone and reach the semi-finals for the first time," said Lionesses of Teranga coach Mame Moussa Cisse."We will study [South Africa] well and work on their qualities and strengths, but also our own qualities to rectify what was not good in the group stage, to allow us to play the right match."
CAF
16-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
CAF Women's AFCON 2024: Best XI of the Group Stage Unveiled
The Technical Study Group (TSG) has announced the Best XI from the group stage of the CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024, currently taking place in Morocco. Set up in a classic 4-3-3 formation, the team showcases the tournament's standout performers from a thrilling opening round that saw 45 goals scored across 18 matches. Fierce Front Three The chosen attacking trio perfectly embodies the pace, power, and precision displayed during the group stage. Leading the line is Zambia's Barbra Banda, whose clinical finishing and relentless presence in the box resulted in three goals. On the wings, Racheal Kundananji (Zambia) lit up the left flank with her speed and attacking intent, also scoring three times, while Senegal's Nguenar Ndiaye, operating on the right, combined technical sharpness with efficiency to become joint top scorer of the group stage with four goals. Together, they form a dynamic and complementary forward line — a testament to the growing offensive depth in African women's football. Inspired Midfield In midfield, the trio selected offers a blend of creativity, strength, and tactical intelligence. Morocco's Ghizlane Chebbak — voted Best Player of the Group Stage — orchestrated play with vision, precise passing, and attacking flair. On the left side, Nigeria's Rasheedat Ajibade provided driving runs and technical finesse, linking midfield and attack with ease. On the right, South Africa's Refiloe Jane brought calm control and smart distribution, playing a key role in the collective dominance of the Banyana Banyana. Resilient, Experienced Defense A well-balanced and disciplined back line forms the foundation of the Best XI. The central pairing of South Africa's Bambanani Mbane and Zambia's Lushomo Mweemba brought physicality, leadership, and strong distribution from the back. On the flanks, Nigeria's Ashleigh Plumptre impressed with composure and defensive solidity on the left, while South Africa's Fikile Magama added energy and attacking support down the right. This defensive unit combined tactical discipline with forward momentum, ensuring both stability and attacking transition. Commanding Goalkeeper Between the posts, Algeria's Chloé N'Gazi was named Best Goalkeeper of the group stage. With three clean sheets, crucial saves, and unwavering composure, she played a key role in guiding Algeria to their first-ever quarter-final appearance in the history of the CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations. CAF Women's AFCON 2024 Group Stage Best XI (4-3-3): • Goalkeeper: Chloé N'Gazi (Algeria) • Defenders: Ashleigh Plumptre (Nigeria), Bambanani Mbane (South Africa), Lushomo Mweemba (Zambia), Fikile Magama (South Africa) • Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria), Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco), Refiloe Jane (South Africa) • Forwards: Racheal Kundananji (Zambia), Barbra Banda (Zambia), Nguenar Ndiaye (Senegal) Dr. Desiree Ellis Named Best Coach of the Group Stage South Africa's head coach, Dr. Desiree Ellis, has been awarded Best Coach of the Group Stage. A reigning champion with the Banyana Banyana, Dr. Ellis once again demonstrated her ability to prepare and inspire her squad for high-level competition. Unbeaten in the group phase, South Africa topped their group with seven goals scored and just one conceded. Their tactical cohesion, balance between defensive strength and attacking efficiency, and collective spirit earned Dr. Ellis high praise from the technical panel.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Your 1-stop shop for Euros, WAFCON and Copa America Femenina updates
Full Time Newsletter ⚽| This is 's weekly women's soccer newsletter. Sign up here to receive Full Time directly in your inbox. There's a lot of soccer going on right now. We're here to help — welcome to Full Time! Advertisement ICYMI Your go-to tournament recap Last weekend's tournaments featured must-see goals, impressive comebacks, expected dominance and puzzling omissions. We now know the quarterfinal matchups for the Euros and Women's Africa Cup of Nations, and Copa America Femenina finally kicked off. Whew. Let's take a trip around the world: In Switzerland … Things kicked off with the final group-stage round of the European Championship. Every team scored on the last day. The hosts found their way out of the group. Their reward? World champions Spain. Sweden continued their superb run of form, England sent Wales home and France made yet another comeback against the Netherlands, who were without their 100-goal captain. Here's how the quarterfinals shape up: Advertisement In Morocco … The final three spots in the WAFCON quarterfinals were set today. The knockouts begin with heavyweights Nigeria vs. Zambia followed by Morocco vs. Mali, Algeria vs. Ghana and South Africa vs. Senegal. Two NWSLers are scoring all of Zambia's goals. You can easily guess who they are: Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji. And finally, we land in Ecuador … Don't worry, there's still time to catch up on what to expect from Copa America Femenina. Marta featured for Brazil in her side's 2-0 win over Venezuela last night — a game that included seven NWSL stars — with the 39-year-old in Brazil's starting lineup (more on her next). Advertisement Uruguay's Belen Aquino set the tone for the competition when she opened scoring with a stunner in the 11th minute against host nation Ecuador, who came back to finish 2-2. We've since seen 13 goals across Copa America's first four matches. Marta weighing 2027 home World Cup Marta was an atypically quiet presence in the match yesterday, stepping off for 20-year-old Dudinha in the 74th minute. It was a symbolic moment, reminding us that she may soon pass the baton to Brazil's next generation. The six-time FIFA World Player of the Year recently admitted she was weighing her career against a 'very strong desire to become a mother,' which she said could keep her from the 2027 World Cup in her home country when she's 41. 'It's still too early to say,' Marta said, while also acknowledging the responsibility she feels to bring home another Copa America title. Advertisement Hi, My Name Is: France's Euros hero If you've watched NWSL this season, particularly the San Diego Wave, then what Delphine Cascarino did yesterday for France shouldn't have come as a surprise. The French forward has scored three goals in 13 games with the Wave and leads the league with five assists. Against the Netherlands in the group-stage finale, the 28-year-old did both again, scoring twice and assisting once in Les Bleus' 5-2 win. Watch her initiate the French comeback with this golazo: France topped their group for a Saturday encounter with Germany, leaving England to face the in-form Swedes. Some background on the hero: Advertisement Cascarino missed the 2023 World Cup with an ACL injury before moving to Southern California last July. She previously spent time with eight-time Champions League winners OL Lyonnes. The only French player not based in Europe this Euros, she says her moves are 'habit' and that her 'body just does what it wants,' but that type of skill comes from years of practice. Fun fact: When not training or competing, Cascarino listens to music, mostly French rap. And as a foodie, Trader Joe's is her happy place. She creates French favorites like gratin dauphinois, french onion soup and sometimes makes cakes and even bakes her own bread. Meg's Corner: Reflecting on Tobin Heath's retirement The news of U.S. women's national team midfielder Tobin Heath's retirement wasn't necessarily surprising. However, after talking with Heath and trying to capture such a lengthy and dominant career in a story, I found myself in the familiar cycle of reviewing my own mental Rolodex of memories and best moments. Revisiting all these in-person moments, watching film and re-reading my own stories from over the years felt more important than usual. Advertisement There was one big moment in the 2013 NWSL championship I kept coming back to as I wrote. The Portland Thorns were on the road, with the Western New York Flash hosting as the top seed in the days before predetermined championship sites. The Flash had hometown captain Abby Wambach, plus the likes of Carli Lloyd and a young Sam Kerr. We all knew Heath was less than 100 percent heading into the championship. It would take over a decade for her to admit her foot was broken — but I remember watching her step to the ball for a first-half direct free kick through the lens of my camera, knowing with that placement it was basically a foregone conclusion. It turned out to be the game winner, despite a second-half red card to a Thorns defender. I'd watch Heath, now 37, win another NWSL championship and both World Cups, too. Heath will always be remembered for her swag, the low socks, the nutmegs and the creativity, but if you ask me about her, the first image in my mind is this one — her screaming in joy after drilling that free kick. What to Watch: For those with decision paralysis Oh Ariana, we're really in it now. Euro quarterfinals are upon us, WAFCON knockouts start Friday with a big one and Copa America's group stage is underway. Again, we can't fit everything in here, but three matches with stakes on the line will get you started. Advertisement Sweden vs. England England bounced back from that opening loss to France, but Sweden has looked strong so far in Switzerland. Should be a tasty afternoon treat. Nigeria vs. Zambia Absolutely absurd that this is a quarterfinal match, but hopefully, this one is full of fireworks. France vs. Germany Sure, the big remaining question of the Euros is if anyone can beat Spain. Whomever wins this one gets to try to answer that. Either way, I would like to see it. Full Time First Looks Intriguing NWSL moves: After upgrading their roster this winter, the Seattle Reign made another headline-stealing move, bringing in USWNT striker Mia Fishel. She struggled to see much of the field with Chelsea due to an ACL injury last season, but on her day, can threaten any NWSL back line and may bolster her case to return to Emma Hayes' side. Advertisement Also: University of North Carolina midfielder Evelyn Shores — who scored the million-dollar goal at The Soccer Tournament — is leaving Chapel Hill six months early to join Angel City, and Boston Legacy ramped up its offseason by signing Mali international Aïssata Traoré (currently away at WAFCON). A fit in Boston: One player with a in the city already, Indiana Fever All-Star Aliyah Boston, is investing in the NWSL team that will start in 2026 in the place where she played high school ball. Getting on the board: Nineteen years into her international career, Seattle Reign's Jess Fishlock scored her first goal at a major tournament for her homeland. At 38, she became the oldest goal scorer in Women's Euros history and the first ever for Wales' women in such a competition. 📫 Love Full Time? These stories can also be found on Yahoo's women's sports hub, in partnership with Also, check out our other newsletters. Advertisement This article originally appeared in The Athletic. International Football, NWSL, Full Time Newsletter 2025 The Athletic Media Company
CAF
15-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024: It's Quarterfinal Time!
The eight teams that have qualified for the quarterfinals of the CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 are now confirmed: Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, Nigeria, Algeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Mali. Following an intense and gripping group stage, the tournament now moves into the knockout phase, starting Friday — with a coveted place in the semi-finals at stake. Nigeria vs Zambia Date: July 18, 2025 | Time: 17:00 Venue: Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca An encounter worthy of a final will kick off the quarterfinal stage of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Nine-time champions Nigeria have once again proven their ability to rise to the occasion. Boasting a solid defense, the Super Falcons head into this clash with both confidence and caution, aware of the threat posed by a formidable Zambian side. Zambia, who finished second in their group behind hosts Morocco, are known for their attacking firepower. Led by the dynamic duo of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, the Copper Queens are clinical and creative, ready to seize any opportunity. This match also serves as a rematch of the 2022 third-place playoff, where Zambia edged Nigeria 1–0. Morocco vs Mali Date: July 18, 2025 | Time: 20:00 Venue: Stade Olympique, Rabat With 7 points from the group stage, Morocco topped their group through a blend of cohesive play and disciplined defending. Led by their iconic captain Ghizlane Chebbak, the Atlas Lionesses are aiming to rise to the occasion on home soil in a packed Stade Olympique in Rabat. Their opponents, Mali, are a determined side capable of challenging any team. Effective in transition and mentally resilient, they secured qualification from a tough group. Expect a tightly contested battle: Morocco, riding a wave of confidence and home support, versus a fearless Malian team banking on their physical presence and athletic prowess. Algeria vs Ghana Date: July 19, 2025 | Time: 17:00 Venue: Berkane Stadium, Berkane Algeria has emerged as one of the surprise packages of the tournament. Under head coach Farid Benstiti, the team has struck a balance between tactical discipline and attacking flair. Their historic quarterfinal qualification is the result of diligent work by a united squad and a driven technical team. Facing them is Ghana, one of the heavyweights of African women's football. With a rich history in the tournament, the Black Queens are aiming for their first semifinal appearance since 2016. Known for their physicality, high pressing, and ability to shift gears in the final third, Ghana will present a formidable challenge. South Africa vs Senegal Date: July 19, 2025 | Time: 20:00 Venue: Stade de l'Honneur, Oujda Defending champions South Africa remain one of the tournament favorites. With leaders like Refiloe Jane and Jermaine Seoposenwe, coach Desiree Ellis's team relies on a well-oiled collective and strong technical ability. Although they stumbled slightly in the group stage, including a 1–1 draw with Tanzania, Banyana Banyana delivered when it mattered most. Their clash with Senegal promises to be a stern test. Senegal advanced as one of the best third-placed teams. They have showcased impressive tactical discipline, solid defensive structure, and unrelenting determination. Matching their opponents in physical intensity, Senegal aims to disrupt South Africa's rhythm and capitalize on quick transitions and counterattacks.
