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CAF
5 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Born Winners light up TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024
Published: Thursday, 17 July 2025 The slogan of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Morocco 2024 – Born Winners – is more than just words. It's a rallying cry for a generation of women rewriting the story of African football. Four of the continent's brightest stars have stepped forward to lend their voices to this powerful celebration of passion, resilience, and unshakable belief. Born Winners honours the fearless, driven, and trailblazing women who are not just playing the game, they're transforming it. Watch as these icons open up about leadership, legacy, and what it truly means to be a Born Winner . Video Stories from Asisat Oshoala, Barbra Banda, Grace Asantewaa and Ghoutia Karchouni available for download for editorial purposes only. Watch video For more on the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024 visit Further Inquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department
CAF
13-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Tunisia – Botswana, Giving Their All to Survive
Sunday evening (8:00 pm local time) at the Père Jégo Stadium in Casablanca, Tunisia and Botswana will be playing for their fate in the final Group B match of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). A tense encounter between two teams that have yet to score a single goal in this tournament. But both refuse to leave the stage without a fight. Tunisia: "No other solution but to win" Beaten by Nigeria (3-0), held to a goalless draw by Algeria, Tunisia no longer have a choice: only a victory can keep them alive in this continental competition. And, according to coach Kamel Saada, the objective is clear. "We have no other solution than to win. The team is focused. We are 100% ready." Aware of the regrets that accompanied the draw against Algeria – notably an encouraging first half and missed opportunities – the Tunisian national team refocused on the essentials: efficiency. "We worked on our finishing, our realism. We can't afford to miss again," insists Saada, who knows that Botswana offers a very different profile from previous opponents: "It's not Nigeria, it's not Algeria. Botswana is a different physical and tactical profile." In this context, Tunisia also relies on the experience of their key players. Cherine Lamti, a solid midfielder and technical leader, emphatically repeats: "We must win. We know that. We will give everything for the country. And above all, stay together." This is a way to affirm the unity of a squad often in reconstruction, but which retains their continental ambitions intact. Botswana: The Energy of Hope For Botswana, the equation is more complex. Beaten by Algeria and Nigeria 1-0 in both matches, the Mares have still not found the back of the net. Yet, coach Alex Malete's words show no sign of giving up. "We still have an opportunity. It's not in our hands, but it exists. It's up to us to play our cards to the fullest." And if resilience has become a key word for this squad, it is because their performances have hinted at a potential that is still maturing. "What we showed against Nigeria for 88 minutes and against Algeria in the second half was our true colours. Now we have to repeat that and add some attacking precision." To achieve this, Botswana are banking on team spirit and a strengthened mentality. "We had a choice: feel sorry for ourselves or do something for tomorrow. We chose to believe in it," Malete emphasized. The coach, a master in the art of building a positive environment, insists: "With us, personality trumps talent. It's the mentality that makes the difference." Two teams with their backs against the wall Mathematically, the calculation is simple: a three-point Tunisian victory would propel the Carthage Eagles Women to four points and likely into the quarterfinals, depending on other results. On the Botswana side, the scenarios are more complicated. But on the eve of the match, no one dares to look too closely at the standings. Starting with Botswana player Esalenna Galekhutle: "We don't know what tomorrow holds, but what we can promise is that we'll give it our all. We'll fight for every ball." A tense, yet controlled match This final Group B match promises to be tense, but tactically very tight. Both teams know that the first goal will swing the match. Tunisia, often comfortable in quick transitions, will have to be wary of a compact, disciplined Botswana team with an excellent goalkeeper, as Kamel Saada acknowledged: "Their goalkeeper [Maitumelo Boseja] stopped everything against Niger. She's one of their assets." The only remaining factor is the ability to translate intentions into action. "We have to score. That's the only way out," Saada repeats like a mantra. On the other hand, Malete calls for a fast-paced, forward-thinking game, but without naivety: "It will be highly tactical. Match management will be decisive." Beyond the result, this match also reveals something about the trajectories of both nations. Tunisia, who have gradually established themselves on the continental Women's Football scene, dream of a second consecutive qualification for the knockout stage. Botswana, a surprise quarterfinalist at the last edition in 2022 in their debut appearance, want to prove that their emergence was no fluke. They deserve to be at this stage.
CAF
10-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Tunisia – Algeria: One Border, One Match, Two Visions
They know each other. Too well, perhaps. Between Kamel Saada's Tunisia and Farid Benstiti's Algeria, they share parallel stories. Players who have passed through the same training centers, the same French clubs. Sometimes even the same locker rooms. But on Thursday at 5pm (local time), at the Père Jégo Stadium in Casablanca, the time for shared memories will be put aside. They will have to choose a side, assert their identity. And perhaps save their AFCON. This Maghreb derby, the first ever between the neighbouring nations in the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals, is not just a regional matchup. It is a crossroads for two teams on opposite paths: Tunisia, seeking redemption after a poor start against Nigeria (0-3), and Algeria dreaming of confirming their important victory against Botswana (1-0). A stunned but not resigned Tunisia. At the press conference this Wednesday morning, Saada did not shy away from the reality on the ground. "Yes, the score against Nigeria was heavy but it does not tell the whole story. For 60 minutes, we held our own, we were disciplined. There were mistakes, yes, but the team responded with the right spirit." A spirited fight is what will need to be mobilized again, more than ever. Because the statistics are relentless: Tunisia has lost four consecutive matches at the WAFCON finals without scoring a single goal. The last time the Carthage Eagles found the back of the net was in their 4-1 victory against Togo in 2022. Since then, they have suffered 388 minutes of offensive impotence. Against Nigeria, Tunisia did not put a single shot on target, completed only 97 passes—the lowest total of any team over the last two editions—and had only 28% possession. "It is not enough, of course. But we do not play against a team like Nigeria every day," Saada argued. "Against Algeria, it will be a completely different match. A match we want to win." Farid Benstiti: "Tunisia deserves respect" On the Algerian side, the tone was firm but measured. Algeria, with a squad heavily structured around an Algerian-Franco framework, started their competition on a positive note. A goal from Ghoutia Karchouni, a well-organized team, a straightforward but incredibly valuable victory (1-0 against Botswana). "It is the WAFCON, not an exhibition tournament," Farid Benstiti expressed. "What matters is the result." Winning 1-0 is sometimes better than winning 4-0 without controlling anything." However, the former PSG coach refuses to hear talk of favouritism. "I am more worried about the match against Tunisia than the one against Nigeria. Because we know this team. We have played them twice recently. We lost once, drew another. They are solid, well-organized. They won't give us any concessions." Inès Belloumou: "We can't mess this up" Inès Belloumou, Malmö's left-back, was one of the standout players in the first match, with 89 touches on the ball and a constant influence down the left flank. She also talks about this match with a mixture of concentration and pride. "Tunisia-Algeria is not just a group match. It is a match we know and look forward to. We shall be up against familiar faces, former teammates." But once on the pitch, there are no more friends. Just opponents." Chrini Lamti, the Tunisian heart Facing a well-established Algeria, Tunisia will rely on the fighting spirit and vision of Chrini Lamti, their most reliable midfielder. Her ability to break lines, to slow down when necessary, and to cover spaces in transition will be decisive. "The squad wants to do everything possible to win. We know that there are expectations of us that we have to show something different," she says simply. Saada, for her part, knows that her players have more talent than what they displayed against Nigeria. "We must not fall into the trap of fear. We have to be daring. Play our game, take risks." Key points to note Physically, Algeria seem more ready. Against Botswana, they imposed their pace, recording 336 successful passes at a 77.8% accuracy rate, with seven shots on target. In contrast, Tunisia seemed out of it. But the context of a derby could erase this difference. Tactically, the two teams play in a fairly similar style: a compact midfield, a game based on transitions, and attacking packs that quickly advance. The difference could be made in the penalty areas, where Algeria seems to have more bearings and realism. Mentally, finally, everything is open. Benstiti insists: "This kind of match is also won with heart. We have to be mentally strong." He is wary of the conditions: "The 5pm kickoff, the heat... It is a factor to manage, but it is the same for both teams. At this stage, the mental strength will make the difference." If Algeria win, they could secure their place in the quarterfinals as early as this Thursday and thus achieve an unprecedented performance, as les Vertes have never qualified for the knockout stages of the WAFCON. A draw would leave them in a favourable position before facing Nigeria. Tunisia, meanwhile, have their backs against the wall. A second defeat, and the doors to elimination would open dangerously wide. But a victory in the derby would change everything: it would revive the momentum, offer a breath of hope, and prove that this generation can still write history.
CAF
10-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Golden Boot race unfolds at WAFCON
As the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) enters its second group stage, the continent's top scorers have already found the back of the net. Barbra Banda, Ghizlane Chebbak, Mama Diop, Nguenar Ndiaye, Rachael Kundananji and many others have already found their mojo with authority, establishing themselves as serious contenders for the tournament's Top Scorer title. Ghizlane Chebbak, Nguenar Ndiaye and Barbra Banda Lead the Way Named Best Player and Top Scorer with three goals at the previous edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Ghizlane Chebbak is once again living up to her billing. With four goals in just two matches, the captain of the Atlas Lionesses currently sits atop the scorers' chart of this 13th edition. The Moroccan No. 7 has been remarkably clinical, netting four of her team's six goals since the start of the tournament. Alongside Chebbak, Nguenar Ndiaye has emerged as a serious contender, also registering four goals. The Senegalese striker has made her mark with two braces—first against DR Congo, then against Zambia. Barbra Banda has also kicked off her campaign in style. Zambia's star forward scored the tournament's opening goal and followed up with two more against Senegal, placing her temporarily in third place among the top scorers. Kundananji and Diop Close Behind Racheal Kundananji and Mama Diop are also in close pursuit, with two goals each. Kundananji, known for her explosive pace and power, found the net in Zambia's crucial win over DR Congo and again in a tightly contested match against Senegal. Diop, on the other hand, has been a constant threat in the Senegalese attack, using her aerial prowess and sharp movement in the box to convert key chances. Both strikers remain in the running for the Golden Boot as the group stage nears its conclusion. Regulars at major events Chebbak, Ndiaye, and South Africa's Jermaine Seoposenwe are no strangers to the limelight. All three had already made their mark in the opening round of the previous edition of the WAFCON, also held in Morocco. Chebbak secured Morocco's victory against Burkina Faso (1-0) with a cool goal. Ndiaye opened her scoring against Uganda (2-0) with a masterful performance. As for Seoposenwe, she struck a powerful opening goal against the then defending champions Nigeria, contributing to Banyana Banyana's historic 2-1 victory, which would later secure their first continental title. Their current performances are, therefore, no surprise: they are players well-versed in the demands of this level of competition, capable of carrying their teams forward in key moments. Experience makes the difference A clear trend is emerging at the start of the tournament: 30-somethings are leading the way. Chebbak (34 years old), Ndiaye (30 years old) and Diop (30 years old) stand out in this ranking of scorers, illustrating the value of experience in major events. Alongside them, Nigeria's six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala (30 years old) and Ghoutia Karchouni of Algeria (30 years old) also found the back of the net in their first game at this WAFCON 2024.
CAF
08-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Morocco 2024: Mali edge Tanzania in tight Group C duel
Mali secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Tanzania in a tightly contested Group C TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024 clash in Berkane on Monday evening. The game's only goal came in first-half stoppage time when Saratou Traoré found the bottom right corner with a composed finish from the centre of the box following a set-piece situation in the closing minutes of the first half. It proved to be the decisive moment in a match where both sides created chances but struggled to convert. Tanzania had several opportunities to equalise, particularly in the second half. Stumai Athumani forced a sharp save from Mali goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao with a header in the 56th minute, and Elizabeth Chenge was also denied later in the half. Despite their pressure, the Tanzanian attack was repeatedly caught offside, limiting their momentum in the final third. Mali managed the game with discipline, soaking up pressure and making key defensive interventions when needed. Karentao played a crucial role in preserving the lead, making multiple saves and commanding her area well. Tanzania pushed hard in stoppage time, winning late free kicks and pressing forward in search of an equaliser. Their final chance came in the 95th minute, but Donisia Minja's left-footed strike from outside the box flew over the bar. At full time, it was Mali who claimed all three points, holding firm under pressure and making the most of their key opportunity. The result strengthens Mali's position in the group and puts them in a strong position as the tournament progresses.
