Latest news with #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024
CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
Boye-Hlorkah comes alive to lead Ghana to quarters
Under the bright lights and the self-inflicted weight of expectation at the Berkane Stadium on a demanding Monday night in Group C of the TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024, Ghanaian midfielder Chantelle Louise Boye-Hlorkah stood tallest as the Woman of the Match in a must-win tie against Tanzania. The 29-year-old midfielder maintained composure from start to finish, showed leadership and great decision making as Ghana showed character to defeat Tanzania 4-1 and book their well-deserved position in the quarterfinals of the continental competition. Boye-Hlorkah Magic Vocal via word of mouth on the field of play but more importantly Boye-Hlorkah lets her actions with and without the ball speak for her. Ball control, game reading and timely interceptions describe her approach to the beautiful game. Against Tanzania, she owned the midfield. She frustrated Diana Msewa who is the heart and soul of the Twiga Stars midfield and was Woman of the Match in their 1-1 draw with the reigning champions South Africa. It was not just the numbers on the stat sheet for Boye-Hlorkah. It was the timely tackles, positive energy and overall experience that were crucial for Ghana. She made routine look elegant with the manner in which she transformed text book training ground moves into easy-to-execute runs during the game. 'Today, I was in a comfortable role. I like the wing but I like being involved more in my natural position. I am glad to have played a little bit everywhere. A more familiar role for myself. I am so happy. The award could have been given it to any of my teammates. I want to thank the coach for playing me in this position, my teammates and the staff for the support,' she said with an ear-to-ear smile after the game. She dictated play, hi-fived or tapped her teammates on the back for encouragement and generally gave the traveling Ghanaian fans in the stands something to cheer about. The many Berkane citizens too joined in whenever she had the ball on her feet. Beginning of a new era In 13 editions, this is the seventh time that the Black Queens have progressed to the knockout stages at the WAFCON and have now made it four out of four against East African opposition. 'I am just proud, so proud of the girls. I try and lead. I am very vocal on the pitch. I try and push the team as much as I can. The girls picked me up too. I told them that we are not going to win this game without playing as a team. I am so proud of Ghana, of the fans. I am so proud to be Ghanaian,' Boye-Hlorkah said passionately after the game yet to catch her breathe. 'Wow. Wow. Wow,' the Anfield-born midfielder who was given more freedom in her midfield role on Monday said with absolute admiration of her teammates in what she said was a memorable day for this team that was on the edge of losing everything had they not emerged victorious. Just four players in the current squad had ever played at the WAFCON. The new generation includes Boye-Hlorkah who is featuring at her first WAFCON. 'Growing up through the England system meant that I was eligible to play for my country of birth but I always knew that I wanted to play for Ghana. I am just so grateful to be here playing for Ghana.' Quarterfinals here they come With this result, Ghana have now recorded nine wins, a draw and a loss in their final group stages fixtures at the WAFCON. Princella Abudea opened the scoring in the 12th minute before Alice Kusi scored her second goal of this edition to make it 2-1. Evelyn Badu came off the bench to make it 3-1 before Boye-Hlorkah sealed the comfortable victory to make it Ghana's first time to score four goals at the WAFCON since the 1998 edition. Despite the goal and impact of the eventual result, Boye-Hlorkah admitted that, 'I always want to achive the most. The final result. The end goal is to win it all. The result means everything. I said that we would score more than one or more goals. We got the performance. I am more proud of the performance than the result.' 'We were not playing to their game. When we are actually playing football, combine with each other. When we got it down, we were able to play. The result is amazing, the performance even better. The girls put in a great shift.' The Ghanaian contingent in the stands watched the entire game on their feet, encouraging the players on the field, waving the nation's flag at every opportunity and could be seen in the end just visibly relived that they made it to the knockout stages for the first time since 2016 when the Black Queens finished in third place. Monday's win marked the first victory for Ghana after taking the lead in two games at the current finals. Ghana will take on Algeria in the last eight on July 19 at the Berkane Stadium.
CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
Björkegren hails Black Queens for fighting spirit
Published: Monday, 14 July 2025 Ghana controlled their destiny in a solid performance that saw them find the back of the net an impressive four times to make light work of Tanzania in a do or die matchup that ensured they booked a place to the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 in Morocco. A standout 18 shots at goal, nine on target and four goals saw Kim Lars Björkegren's side dance, ululate and hi-five each other at the full-time whistle in Berkane on Monday night. The Black Queens, who felt that they dominated both their games against Ghana and Mali statistically despite amassing a point from a possible six in Group C, finally smelt the coffee. Their resilience, physicality and camaraderie were exceptional on the day. 'I am just really proud of the girls. Today, we followed the game plan a little bit more. I always believed that we would win this game and make it to the quarterfinals. I understand the impact of the result. It is the knockout stages, and we continue to take it one game at a time,' Björkegren said after the 4-1 win against Tanzania. 'Ghana missed the knockout stages the last time that they played [in 2018 at home] and we have now made it past the group stages. The result is very important to us. We shall take it all in now because the players deserve this. They showed that they can stay true to our style and win.' Teamwork rules A team that works together, stays together. Throughout their two games that not only tested their character and self-belief, the Black Queens fought for each other. No single time did a player attack another for a misplaced pass or a tackle that led to a goal or a warning or booking from the referee. They stood together in good and in bad. It is this spirit that had Björkegren in high spirits at the halftime break when the score stood at 1-1 because he anticipated that his side would raise the tempo when the second half began. Star player Evelyn Badu, who started the first two games, came off the bench after Princella Abudea and Princess Marfo were given the nod to start ahead of her. Her body language when she ran onto the pitch visibly showed that she was there to build on what the duo had done thus far. And it is that sisterhood that displayed the understanding of the objective for the team and the importance of the eventual result. The suspended Doris Boaduwaa was on her feet the entire game in the stands supporting her teammates and almost lost her voice. In the end what mattered was the qualification. 'We played as a team and this has been important for us on and off the pitch,' Björkegren said as a tribute to his team who will face Algeria in the WAFCON 2024 quarterfinals on July 19 at 5pm (local time) at the Berkane Stadium in the Oriental Province of Morocco.
CAF
2 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
South Africa, Mali battle for Group C top spot
After navigating the twists and turns of Group C, the reigning African champions South Africa and West African dark horses Mali now find themselves on a collision course with the Group C top slot at stake at the ongoing TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 in Morocco. With four points each from a possible six, both teams will be looking for bragging rights and an opportunity to finish the group stage on a high note. Away from becoming table leaders, the result of this fixture will determine the quarterfinal matchups going forward. One game at a time If it is not broken, why fix it? For a team that has already won the WAFCON, the Banyana Banyana know a thing or two about how to excel at tournament football. It is a whole different ball game. Dr Desiree Ellis' outfit are right on cue, efficient in the final third and solid at the back. They have only conceded once – a diagonal header by Tanzania's Opa Clement. Mexico-based midfielder Amogelang Motau, who won the title with South Africa three years ago is in high spirits ahead of the tie against Mali and says, 'The mentality going into this tournament was to take it one game at a time. That is what won us the tournament in 2022. We came in as contenders and our goal is to finish top.' 'Off the field, we are a very solid team. We are going through a transition. We are making it look seamless, but it is not. There's going to be a lot of player rotation. There are new players coming into the team. There are good seniors who are guiding us.' Ellis, who sought rotation against Tanzania making four changes, affirms this and believes that her squad has the character of champions as they try to defend their title. 'No game is easy because they [Mali] know that they are in it as well. We know what we have to do that is very important to us. We want to rotate the ball quicker and be more efficient in the final third.' 'We are working on what we need to learn from the other games and how we need to help each other on the pitch. We want to stay true to who we are because the minute we put the ball on the ground; there will be some very good moments. Getting into the final third with those movements with that quick combination play and that is what we need to do.' Respectful but not scared Facing defending champions can sometimes force an opponent into early submission but not Mali. Les Aigles Dames have been building their confidence from the onset. They are meticulate in the way that they approach games and more importantly, they know how to win. Their opponents – Tanzania (1-0) and Ghana (1-1) will never forget Mali. Even when it looked like both sides were dominating play for the most part, before they knew it, Mali was walking down the tunnel with big smiles on their faces, content and with their chins up. It is the killer instint that is crucial in tournament football. Mali have mastered this. And at the heart of it all is head coach Mohamed Saloum whose evergreen tactics continue to inspire a young and spirited Malian side that is here to write history – slowly but surely. 'We know South Africa very well. They are compact. We think that in this competition as defending champions, they are a tough team to play. Each team has their own philosophy, and we shall rely on our quality. We shall respond accordingly. Did anyone think that Tanzania will draw with South Africa? This is football. We will bring all our leverage to make sure that it works on our side as we chase the first place,' Saloum says with confidence. The last time the two sides faced each other was at the 2018 edition when South Africa edged Mali 2-0 thanks to goals by Thembi Kgatlana and Lebohang Ramalepe. But Saloum believes that his side have since evolved. They have grown in stature and will approach this game with the maturity that it deserves. Yakare Niakaté, who features for Nice in France at club level, says with a composed smile, 'There are two teams in this fixture but for me, there is no favourite team. They [South Africa] are a good team that is competitive and that won the title but we as Mali are here to represent our country and show what we can do. We are here now. We know our quality. We shall do everything possible to gain positives from the game.' Playing in her first ever WAFCON, Niakaté admits that, 'It is a great pleasure to be in the biggest tournament of Africa. We played against Ghana – a big team in Africa, we faced Tanzania who are also coming up now and now, we are going to face the defending champions, this is exactly where I want to be. I want to express myself on the field of play and play against the best teams in Africa.' Mali's best performance was back in 2018 when they reached the semifinals and according to Saloum, they want to get to the podium – better their last result.
CAF
2 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Do or Die for Ghana, Tanzania
This is it. One more chance to earn a place in the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 for Tanzania and Ghana who have only amassed a point after two Group C matches. The margin for error has slowly and surely left the scene. What would have ideally been a normal last group stage fixture has become a must-win tie between two desperate teams that find themselves between a rock and a hard place. Under the weight of expectations from fans back home, both teams will approach the match like a final before the final. It is now or never. The stakes could not be higher than on Monday, July 14 at 8pm at the Berkane Stadium in the Oriental Province of Morocco. Tanzania chasing history The last time a team from Eastern Africa reached the knockout stage of this continental showpiece was when Ethiopia reached the semifinals of the eight-team 2004 edition. The Twiga Stars from Tanzania are taking on this challenge – to change the status quo. A point against the reigning African champions South Africa in their second matchup has boosted their confidence and head coach Bakari Shime wants to build on that. 'From the way we played our last game against South Africa, it gave us confidence. We want to play in our style. You will see good football against Ghana. We can now execute our style of play,' Shime says with confidence. With the availability of captain Opa Clement Tukumbuke, Shime has a leader, a goal scorer and a player who is hungry to lead her team to victory whatever the odds. Her goal against South Africa was Tanzania's first goal in this competition. 'Tomorrow, we'll play the last group game or the last game in the tournament. This is a very, very important game for both teams especially us. We have one point, and we look forward to getting the three points so that we make it to the next round, we know about Ghana, we followed their last two games. We want to walk away with three points. We want to move forward. If we manage to get the three points, then we shall be able to achieve our objective.' If the team's last training session on Sunday night is anything to go by then Shime is on course to fielding star player Clara Luvanga who has been nursing a right ankle injury. Luvanga, who now features for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has come through the youth systems including playing for the U17 and U20 teams and could make her WAFCON debut against Ghana on Monday. All four goals scored by Tanzania at the WAFCON over two editions in 2010 and 2025 were netted in the first half and with their draw against South Africa – that was their first ever point having lost their previous four games. Pressure is a privilege One point from two games after amassing 31 shots at goal is not exactly something that the Black Queens of Ghana envisioned coming into the tournament. Earlier, they spoke largely about the need to be efficient in the final third, take advantage of small spaces and benefit from their physical abilities, individual skill and a collective stemming from a duty to perform. According to Kim Lars Björkegren, the Ghana coach, the plan is still the same. 'We have a good feeling. Now, we have everything in our own hands to make sure that we win the game against Tanzania. We were hoping to score more goals in our first two games. We have had chances enough to do it. We've had 31 shots at goal and only scored once. We prefer to score more goals, and I know that we will.' The Black Queens will be without striker Doris Baduawaa who provided the assist for Alice Kusi's goal against Mali on Friday. She has played 180 minutes over two games. 'We have many players that can play in the nine position. We can even change the formation, but we shall indeed miss Doris.' Princess Marfo who can provide impressive cover on the left wing as well as Princella Adubea whose ability to hold up the ball and be a focal point of the attack will be up for selection should the Swedish tactician choose to look at the other forward options on the squad. Björkegren adds that, 'I think we are in a great position. We only need to win one game to play in the quarterfinal. We can be second or third in the group. I still believe in the players. Even if we have one point going into this game.' In their last five WAFCON appearances, Ghana have only made it out of the group stages once in 2016 when they finished third but were eliminated at the first hurdle in 2008, 2010, 2014 and 2018.
CAF
5 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
South Africa set sights on quarterfinals, Tanzania desperate
Like a river finding its course after a dry season, things are starting to take shape at the ongoing TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 in Morocco. Nine-time record winners Nigeria have booked their place in the quarterfinals and to fall in line, the reigning champions South Africa want to continue controlling their destiny. No surprises. On seven occasions when the Banyana Banyana have started the WAFCON with a win, they have gone on to win the second match five times including in 2000, 2006, 2008, 2018 and 2022. Head coach Dr Desiree Ellis wants to qualify for the last eight as early as possible. She was in charge in the last two editions. Backed by history The last time South Africa lost a group stage game was in 2016; a 0-1 loss to hosts Cameroon with Ellis holding an enviable record of 10 wins in 12 WAFCON games including two draws. Winning is in her DNA. She has mastered the art of crossing the line when called upon. 'We have to stick to what we are good at because physically many teams are bigger than us. We want to take more chances when we are in the final third. We did that against Ghana but that was the first game. We are going to stick to our strengths – the way we move the ball around, the pace that we have,' Ellis spelt out her team's intentions. Against a team that they physically can match, the former South African captain cum coach wants her side to focus on what works for them. 'Tanzania have some physicality in their side. We still have to play compact. We are used to it – playing against teams that are bigger than us. Clara [Luvanga] is big and a couple of other players,' she pointed out in detail. Luvanga, who is not only an aerial threat but also a size nightmare for opponents, has struggled for fitness and will face a late test before she can be considered for team selection on Friday against the defending champions. Seen limping at all training sessions this week in Saidia, the Al Nassr superstar who is yearning to play her first WAFCON has been left frustrated visibly. For Ellis, a fully fit side has left her in high spirits and hoping to get a second victory that will be enough to book a last eight slot with the possibility of finishing as table leaders. Chasing a clean sheet will be another item on the defending champions' list that they will not mind ticking. Goal of the WAFCON 2022 Andile Dlamini aka 'Sticks' who recorded an impressive five saves against Ghana – her highest in a WAFCON match will be hoping to keep a fifth tournament clean sheet. South African defender Lebohang Ramalepe said, 'To be honest, it is going to be a tough one. We have played them before and we know that in this competition, they need a win to keep them in the run to get out of the group stages. As a team, we shall stick to our game plan. I know Tanzania. I have played against half of them at Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Women's Champions League. We know each other.' 'Long time', no see The opening 0-1 loss to Mali felt like an eternity to the Twiga Stars who really missed their leader – pitch general Opa Clement. A rare talent, whose relationship with the ball feels heavenly as if she was sent on earth to find gaps on a football pitch, score and/or assist. Her movement on the field not only gives hope to her teammates but to the entire coaching staff, fans back home and across the world. The Mexican-based Clement, who features for Juarez, missed the opener because of suspension but has been declared available for the matchup against South Africa. 'Opa [Clement] brings a different dimension to the way that they play. She probably would have finished a couple of chances if she was in the game [against Mali]. We are aware of that. Clara [Luvanga] brings a lot of pace too. We have to be a little bit more defensively organized,' Ellis insisted. Clement, who will be making her WAFCON debut, is looking forward to this iconic moment. 'We are ready as a team and for me personally, this means a lot to me. I can't wait to get onto the pitch and together with my teammates, show what we can do,' she says firmly. Tanzania head coach Bakari Shime admitted that they are under pressure after the result of the first game but says they have picked themselves up and are ready for the challenge ahead. 'We know that these are the defending champions. They are more organized than us. And because of that, we have to take extra care in this game. We will organize ourselves well in the midfield and be ready to attack the best team in Africa.' Veteran midfielder Anastazia Katunzi (left hamstring concerns) as well as dependable forward Stumai Abdallah (stomach discomfort) sat out of Thursday's training but Shime is hopeful that they will be available against South Africa. This will be the first time that Tanzania will come up against a defending champion and yet this tie presents an opportunity for the Twiga Stars to open their WAFCON goal scoring account. In their second appearance at the continental showpiece, the first back in 2010, Tanzania are yet to find the back of the net. Six of the nine goals they have conceded at the finals have come in the first half and this is something that Shime wants to categorically avoid.
