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CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
CAF names WAFCON 2024 Best XI
Published: Tuesday, 29 July 2025 Nigeria's dominance at the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 has been further underlined after four of their players were named in the tournament's official Best XI, as selected by CAF's Technical Study Group (TSG). The 11-player team, arranged in a 4-3-3 formation, features standout performers from across the continent following a fiercely competitive edition of the tournament co-hosted by Morocco and Ghana. Nigeria, who defeated hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final on Saturday night to clinch their tenth WAFCON crown, contributed the highest number of players to the elite line-up. Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Ndozie earned her place between the sticks following a series of commanding displays, while dynamic full-back Michelle Alozie, influential forward Esther Okoronkwo, and tournament top scorer Rasheedat Ajibade also made the cut. Joining them is Moroccan captain Ghizlane Chebbak, whose creative influence helped guide the hosts to a second consecutive final. Fellow Moroccan and top striker Ibtissam Jraidi also featured prominently in the line-up. Ghana's Portia Boakye and Grace Asantewaa were rewarded for their leadership and consistency despite the Black Queens falling just short of the final, while South Africa's Karabo Dlamini, Refiloe Jane and Bambanani Mbane were also included after leading Banyana Banyana to a semi-final finish. The CAF Technical Study Group named Nigeria's Justin Madugu as the tournament's Coach of the Tournament following his team's successful title run. A strong list of substitutes was also released, including Zambia's Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, Senegal's Nguenar Ndiaye, Algeria's Chloe Yamina N'Gazi, and Nigeria's Osinachi Ohale and Jennifer Echegini. The 2024 tournament saw a rise in attacking play, with 66 goals scored across 26 matches—an average of 2.54 goals per game, an improvement from the 2.25 average in 2022. The 4-3-3 formation emerged as the most used tactical shape throughout the tournament. CAF's WAFCON 2024 Best XI (4-3-3 formation): Goalkeeper : Chiamaka Ndozie (Nigeria) Defenders : Michelle Alozie (Nigeria), Bambanani Mbane (South Africa), Portia Boakye (Ghana), Karabo Dlamini (South Africa) Midfielders : Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco), Refiloe Jane (South Africa), Grace Asantewaa (Ghana) Forwards: Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria), Ibtissam Jraidi (Morocco), Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria) Coach of the Tournament: Justin Madugu (Nigeria) Substitutes: Chloe Yamina N'Gazi (Algeria) Osinachi Ohale (Nigeria) Hanane Ait El Haj (Morocco) Jennifer Echegini (Nigeria) Saana Mssoudy (Morocco) Barbra Banda (Zambia) Racheal Kundananji (Zambia) Nguenar Ndiaye (Senegal) Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah (Ghana)
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Banyana Banyana win WAFCON Fair Play Award after falling short of title defence
Refiloe Jane Banyana Banyana captain Refiloe Jane (left) says the players are disappointed with their final results at WAFCON 2024, where they finished in fourth place. Pic: Backpagepix Image: BACKPAGEPIX South Africa's Banyana Banyana returned from the 13th TCAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with mixed emotions. They failed to defend their title, finishing fourth after a semi-final loss against Nigeria. However, they were recognised with the prestigious Fair Play Award for their commendable sportsmanship throughout the tournament. The Fair Play Award, determined by CAF's Technical Study Group based on a multitude of criteria encompassing on-field behaviour, respect for opponents and officials, and overall commitment to the spirit of the game, saw South Africa accumulate an impressive total of 510 points. Final whistle. Pure chaos. 😮💨 Energy of the Day belongs to the Super Falcons! 🇳🇬#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 | @Football2gether — CAF Women's Football (@CAFwomen) July 27, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Banyana's discipline on the pitch shone through in their minimal fouls and lack of excessive protests during matches, reflecting a deep respect for both their opponents and the authority of the game. Even amidst the pressures of high-stakes matches, such as the quarter-final clash against Senegal and the semi-final against Nigeria, skipper Refiloe Jane and her teammates maintained their composure. Their exemplary conduct resonated well beyond the pitch as their deep-rooted ethos of sportsmanship and commitment to fair play shone through. Coach Desiree Ellis, a three-time winner of the Best African Women's Coach Award, has cultivated a culture within the Banyana that prioritises collective effort, respect, and solidarity. This indeed sets an example for other teams and reiterates the positive reputation of South African women's football. However, despite these accolades, the disappointment of not finishing on the podium was palpable among players. Jane candidly expressed their frustration at being unable to retain the championship title. 'We are disappointed to be going home empty-handed," she remarked. "It wasn't an easy one for the players, and there were a lot of challenges on and off the pitch. But we tried to put in a great performance and aimed to keep the trophy as the main objective." This was the first time in three editions of the tournament that Banyana Banyana did not finish in the top three, having previously claimed silver in 2018 and gold in 2022. 'There's a lot of work still to be done, and we hope that in the next WAFCON, which is very important as it serves as a World Cup qualifying tournament, we can do well,' Jane added, hinting at the potential changes and adjustments within the team. "Given the situation within the camp and the players we had, we're hoping that a lot of positives can be taken from this tournament and build on that.'
CAF
3 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
WAFCON: South Africa, the Fairest of them all
Published: Saturday, 26 July 2025 While Banyana Banyana failed to retain their continental title, they leave the 13th TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations with a highly symbolic distinction: the Fair Play Award. With a total of 510 points awarded by the Technical Study Group based on rigorous criteria; on-field behaviour, respect for opponents and officials, and positive commitment - South Africa once again set an example. An Exemplary Team On and Off the Pitch This award recognizes the discipline, sportsmanship, and spirit of Desiree Ellis's players, key figures in African Women's Football for over a decade. Both on and off the pitch, the South Africans distinguished themselves with their impeccable behaviour. There were few fouls, no excessive protests, and a consistent respect for the game and its rules. Even in the most tense moments of their journey - such as the quarterfinal against Senegal or the semifinal against Nigeria - Refiloe Jane's teammates maintained their composure. This attitude undoubtedly contributed to the awarding of this prize, which honours teams that have placed sporting ethics at the heart of their approach. A performance worthy of the greats On the sporting front, South Africa once again lived up to their reputation. Placed in Group C, Banyana Banyana began their tournament with a controlled victory against Ghana 2-0, before being held to a 1-1 draw by Tanzania. But the South Africans were able to bounce back, winning against Mali 4-0, thus securing their place in the quarterfinals. The next stage was marked by a close match against Senegal (0-0; 4-1 on penalties), where the team's tactical intelligence and composure made the difference. Facing Nigeria, the South Africans lost 2-1 in a heated atmosphere at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. Despite the disappointment, they were able to acknowledge Nigeria's victory with dignity, once again demonstrating their exemplary nature. A culture of respect rooted in their DNA This is not the first time South Africa have been recognized for its behaviour. Under the leadership of Dr Desiree Ellis, the former captain turned coach and three-time winner of the Best African Women's Coach Award, the Banyana Banyana have forged a culture of collective effort, respect, and solidarity.
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.
CAF
08-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON Technical Study Group and international scouts to meet the media in Cairo on Sunday, 11 May
Published: Thursday, 08 May 2025 Technical Study Group members Daniel Amokachi, Walter Steenbok and Mohamed Magassouba, as well as two international scouts, will hold a media briefing at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday, 11 May to give their analysis of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations. The event will be held from 11:30 local time (08:30 GMT). Romain Albaric, a scout for Swiss side FC Sion, and Bennard Yao Kumordzi, scout for Belgian outfit K.R.C. Genk, will also give their assessment of the matches and players in the tournament's group stages. The vastly experienced quintet will offer perspective on their initial technical assessment of the competition, reveal tactical trends, analyse playing styles and who are the rising talents in the competition. Amokachi is a former Nigeria international who played in the Premier League with Everton. He scored two goals as the Super Eagles impressed at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, and has also coached the national side. Steenbok is a former Technical Director at the South African Football Association and is a vastly experienced coach who is well-respected on the continent. Magassouba has been a coach for over three decades and was in charge of Mali between 2019 and 2022, having also previous led the Democratic Republic of Congo. All five individuals will be able to offer key insights into the tournament and assist the media with in-depth analysis.
