Latest news with #TotalEnergiesWomen'sAfricaCupofNations
CAF
6 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Halimatu Ayinde: From Northern Nigeria's Streets to anchoring Super Falcons' Mission X quest
In the conservative neighbourhoods of Kaduna in northern Nigeria, girls were expected to marry young not chase football dreams but Halimatu Ayinde was never one to follow convention. From sneaking out to play barefoot with boys in secret, to now patrolling the midfield for Nigeria's Super Falcons with silent authority, her story is one of defiance, faith, and resilience. At the 2024 TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the calm, composed Ayinde has once again emerged as the heartbeat of a Nigerian team that blends experience with hunger. With every tackle, interception, and line-breaking pass, Ayinde embodies the spirit of a player who plays for more than herself—for her family, her community, and the girls in the north who now dare to dream because of her. As she leads Nigeria into yet another WAFCON final going up against hosts Morocco in Rabat on Saturday, her voice reveals a journey forged in struggle and sustained by purpose. WAFCON 2024: Redemption, Unity and Belief Nigeria's unbeaten run to the WAFCON 2024 final has been driven not just by talent but by tactical maturity and emotional togetherness—values Ayinde represents on and off the pitch. 'The experience has been great with the fact that we have been winning from the beginning. Everyone has been working really hard and making efforts to get the results. That's a very good start for the team and has brought us to where we are now.' She views this campaign as a statement after the Super Falcons' last continental disappointment. 'I would say yes, we've changed the perception. During the last tournament, almost every Nigerian had written us off. But now that we are back, winning games and in the final, I think that has changed the narratives. We are back as the giant of Africa.' With four wins and a draw so far, the Falcons look well-tuned and Ayinde knows what it takes to go all the way. 'Almost all the teams we have played are very technical. We won against them, but everything has been good. This final is not going to be different. We are going to stick together as a team and fight for each other.' Forged in Fire: Injury, Comeback and Club Success Ayinde's brilliance today is built on deep personal struggle. Two ACL injuries inside 24 months threatened to end her rise, but she responded with fierce determination. At FC Rosengård in Sweden, she found both a home and a proving ground. 'The second Damallsvenskan title was the best for me because I participated from the beginning—from preseason, Cup games, and friendlies. It was huge for me because when I joined in August 2022, I had just recovered from that ACL injury. I didn't play that much initially. The second title was more special because I contributed almost throughout.' Rehabilitation took more than physical strength, it took spiritual grounding and mental discipline. 'It wasn't easy to do another surgery in the space of two years—it's heartbreaking. The rehab entirely—the training, having to think of getting back or not, and what the future looked like—those negative thoughts really weighed me down. But with the help of the people around me, I was able to fight those thoughts and be positive until I got better again.' Adapting Through Change: Coaching, Tactics, and Growth Having worked under both foreign and local managers, Ayinde appreciates the nuances of leadership and applauds current coach Justin Madugu for unlocking the team's true potential. 'Every coach has their style. Randy was a good tactician who wanted to keep the ball and play around, but African football is not all about that. When you know your strengths, you have to use them. That is what Madugu is doing now, and it's really paying off.' She credits Madugu for uniting the squad and building trust across the roster. 'The change is that he has carried everyone along and given everybody the opportunity to showcase themselves. That brings energy and positivity into the camp. He doesn't just focus on his starting eleven—he brings others close, talks to and encourages them.' Ayinde's role has also grown beyond the pitch she mentors younger players and maintains the team's mental stability. 'I always try to give my best and adapt to whatever pattern the coaches bring. With the experience I have, I try to help the younger players settle and excel.' Roots and Resistance: Breaking the Mould in Northern Nigeria Born in Northern Nigeria city of Kaduna, to a Yoruba father and an Igbo mother, Ayinde has grown into one of Africa's most consistent and combative midfielders. Her unique heritage reflects the multicultural blend of strength and resilience that defines her game. Born into a culture where girls were expected to abandon sport early, Ayinde's path to stardom was paved with resistance, especially from her own siblings. 'Growing up in northern Nigeria is not that easy because they don't believe that a girl child should play football. From my family, my parents were supportive, but my brothers didn't want me to play. I was stubborn and didn't listen. 'Sometimes I would sneak out to play with boys and they would beat me when I returned. Eventually, they gave up and started supporting me.' Her story resonates now more than ever, as she actively empowers others through grassroots outreach. 'I've been doing that for two to three years now because I really want to give back to the community. I try to promote grassroots football in the North. I'm getting support from the state government, and it's helping young girls who want to play professionally and pursue their dreams.' Legacy and Leadership: Playing for Something Bigger With over a decade in the national team and several trophies in her cabinet, Ayinde's drive today is not just to win, it's to inspire, uplift, and lead by example. 'I always try to mentor young players with the little knowledge I have. I talk to them during training and matches. I think they appreciate it—it's up to them to use what I tell them.' Ayinde's Character and Quality Earns Praise from Peers and Coaches Few understand the essence of Halimatu Ayinde's game better than former Super Falcons midfielder and long-time teammate, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, who currently suits up for Canadian club Ottawa Rapid. Reflecting on nearly a decade of playing alongside Ayinde for Nigeria, Okobi described their on-field relationship as instinctive and intelligent. 'We had a perfect combination. We've got good understanding and we're both intelligent with the ball. She has always been the pillar of the midfield—strong, tough, and fast,' Okobi-Okeoghene told from her base in Canada. Their partnership, forged in high-stakes competitions, formed the backbone of Nigeria's midfield across multiple international tournaments, recounting Ayinde's resilience in overcoming serious injuries, including two knee surgeries in three years. 'I'm 100% satisfied and very happy for her. Seeing her work this hard after two knee surgeries—the most recent just a year ago—makes me super proud,' she said. For Okobi, Ayinde is more than just a teammate, she's a role model. 'Yes, and even more successful. For the young ones, Halimatu should be a role model. She's a fighter and very hardworking. My message to her is simple: keep working hard as usual.' Echoing that praise from Sweden is FC Rosengård head coach Joel Kjetselberg, who has seen Ayinde's influence up close at club level, especially in their 2024 Damallsvenskan title win. 'It has been great to see Hali be such an important part of Nigeria's AFCON tournament so far. She has been outstanding for her national team,' he remarked, in chat with 'Hali plays with so much composure and control that you can rely on her in so many ways on the pitch. I'm really proud and glad to see her doing so well, but it comes with no surprise.' Kjetselberg added, 'She is a very important player in our squad, and I know I can rely on her to do whatever job we need. She is a fantastic person. We wish her all the best for the final and look forward to having her back with us soon.' As Nigeria aim to lift yet another historic continental title, one thing is certain, the Super Falcons' rhythm flows through the boots of their midfield trojan.
CAF
6 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Ghana vs South Africa: Banyana Banyana and Black Queens Reignite 2016 Bronze Battle in Casablanca
The 2024 CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) third-place match will bring together two of the continent's fiercest rivals South Africa and Ghana in what promises to be a gripping finale under the lights of Casablanca. Set for Friday evening at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, the encounter will not only determine who claims the bronze medal but also settle a score dating back to 2016, when Ghana edged South Africa 1–0 to finish third in Yaoundé. Now, both teams return to the same stage with a shared objective, which is to finish strong and restore pride after falling short of the final. Banyana Banyana: Champions with a Point to Prove For South Africa, the pain of missing out on consecutive WAFCON finals has ignited a resolve to leave Morocco with something tangible. As reigning champions, Banyana Banyana carry the weight of expectation and the responsibility of showing resilience in a tournament that has tested their depth and character. Head coach Desiree Ellis acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized the need to reset quickly amidst challenges of nurturing new talent. 'Obviously, the ambition was to play in the final, but that didn't happen. We now focus on playing Ghana, another tough team. Though this is not where we wanted to be, we must regroup and fight for a bronze medal,' she said. 'We're looking forward to seeing how our young players grow. They've been auditioning for years—it's now time to step up.' South Africa striker Jermaine Seoposenwe echoed the team's mindset heading into the clash. 'As professionals we must take responsibility. As African champions, going home with a medal is a form of consolation. A bronze medal is what we must now win.' Having played as a makeshift striker in this tournament, Seoposenwe suggested this may be her final WAFCON appearance. 'As for retirement, it's a big decision and not one I want to be talked out of once I make it. For now, the priority is to end this campaign with a win.' Ghana's Black Queens: Underdogs with Momentum In contrast, Ghana have embraced their role as tournament dark horses. Under Swedish tactician Kim Björkegren, the Black Queens have mounted an inspiring run — reaching the semi-finals after failing to qualify for the last edition. 'We lost to South Africa 2-0 in the group stage, but it was a close, 50-50 game,' Björkegren said. 'Since then, we've improved a lot. When I came in February, the team hadn't been together much. But the players are learning quickly and showing real growth.' Blending international experience with domestic grit, Ghana have leaned on rising stars like Comfort Yeboah and Stella Nyamekye to drive their progress. 'We've prepared like we were preparing for the final,' said Nyamekye. 'The senior players have been a big support for us younger ones. We want to win this for them and for Ghana.' Head-to-Head: A Rivalry Revisited This bronze medal match will be the second meeting between Ghana and South Africa at WAFCON 2024. Their earlier encounter in the group stage saw Banyana Banyana claim a 2–0 win, but the stakes are significantly higher now with a podium finish on the line. Historically, the rivalry between the two sides has been intense and evenly contested, with each nation enjoying moments of dominance over the other across the years. Their first meeting at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations came in the 1998 group stage, where Ghana outclassed South Africa with a 4–0 victory. Two years later, South Africa responded in the 2000 semi-final, edging the Black Queens 1–0 to reach the final. In 2004, Ghana again showed their superiority in the group phase with a 3–0 win, but South Africa struck back in 2008 with a 1–0 triumph during the group stage. The 2006 edition saw Ghana book a spot in the final after defeating South Africa 1–0 in the semi-final. Outside of the WAFCON, both teams played to a 1–1 draw in a 2012 international friendly, and again in 2014 during the WAFCON group stage in Namibia. In their most recent WAFCON knockout encounter, Ghana defeated South Africa 1–0 to clinch third place at the 2016 edition in Yaoundé. However, South Africa won a preparatory friendly 3–0 in 2021 and followed up with the group stage win at the ongoing WAFCON tournament. In total, the two sides have faced off 10 times across competitive and friendly fixtures. Both Ghana and South Africa have recorded four wins apiece, while two matches have ended in draws. With the head-to-head perfectly balanced, Friday's encounter in Casablanca will not only decide who leaves with the bronze medal but also tip the scale in one of the fiercest rivalries in African women's football. Players to Watch South Africa's Jermaine Seoposenwe – The veteran attacker has led from the front in an unfamiliar striker role. Her vision, movement, and leadership will be central to Banyana's attacking transitions. South Africa's Linda Mothalo – A bright spark in midfield, the youngster has impressed with her composure on the ball and tactical awareness, offering both creativity and control. South Africa's Karabo Dhlamini – Solid and composed in defence, Dhlamini's ability to break up play and initiate build-ups from the back makes her key to South Africa's structure. Ghana's Grace Asentawaa – The midfield orchestrator has been Ghana's heartbeat, dictating tempo and providing incisive passes in the final third. Ghana's Stella Nyamekye – Energetic and fearless, Nyamekye's dribbling and flair could prove vital against South Africa's backline. Ghana's Comfort Yeboah– A versatile and tireless fullback, Bugre's overlapping runs and defensive tenacity offer Ghana width and steel on the flank. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM local time on Friday at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium. With a medal and regional bragging rights on the line, expect a fiercely contested match driven by redemption and ambition. Ghana want to recreate the 2016 bronze moment, while South Africa want to show they're still top force with sights on legacy, pride, and a place on the podium.
CAF
23-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Ouzraoui Diki: A Midfield Marvel Blending European Craft with Moroccan Passion
In one of the most captivating contests of the 2024 CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Sakina Ouzraoui Diki rose to the occasion on Tuesday, guiding Morocco to a hard-fought 1–1 draw with Ghana before edging the Black Queens 4–2 on penalties to reach their second consecutive WAFCON final. Her dominant second-half display, crowned with a well-taken equalizer, earned her the Player of the Match award and set up a tantalizing final against Nigeria. 'This trophy is for the team because without the team you would never be here or be the best or be anything. I am happy that I have this team. They worked hard and give everything on the pitch. We are going for the final,' Diki exclusively told 'I am proud about my family. They push me forward a lot. I think I have the best family in my life and in the world. They are always with me and supporting me. This trophy is for them because without them, I would never be here.' Blending Cultures, Building a Career: From Belgium to Spain Diki's journey to WAFCON stardom is shaped by an international upbringing and elite football education. Born in Spain, raised in Belgium, and a former youth international for the Red Flames at U16 and U18 levels, Diki has matured through top European systems—especially during a key development spell with Club Brugge. 'Belgium was also a great experience. It was not the best but great experience. I learnt a lot of things there. I think when I played for Club Brugge, it was my season there,' she opened up. 'I think I learned a lot and grew as a player and person. I learned one thing or the other from those experiences. Sometimes you play from the bench. Sometimes you are starting, but I am happy about my works there and at this WAFCON. I am so happy and Inshallah hope we win the title.' Now at Costa Adeje Tenerife in Spanish Liga F, Diki finds herself fulfilling a personal ambition while writing a new chapter with Morocco on the continental stage. Vildah Extols Diki's Late Semifinal Match-Winner Diki's powerful finish in the second half pulled the hosts level, while Morocco trailed early after Stella Nyamekye converted a first-half penalty for Ghana. With the score locked at 1–1 after regulation, the Atlas Lionesses held their nerve in the shootout to win 4–2 and seal a rematch with Nigeria—the team they narrowly defeated via penalties in the 2022 semifinals. 'I want to say congratulations to Ouzraoui for the award. She played a crucial role in our win over Ghana and the victory was very well fought for. The Ghanaian team were physical but we played collectively and eventually won,' said Morocco coach Jorge Vilda. 'We worked hard to make it to the final. I am thinking about the Nigerian team that we will be playing in the final. I think she and everyone in the team worked hard to be in the final.' Familiar Faces Await as Morocco Set Sights on Nigeria The final clash with Nigeria will be a personal one for Diki, who will come up against country of her former club teammate Gift Monday and current Tenerife colleague Rinsola Babajide. Despite the stakes, she speaks with admiration and deep respect for both players and the Nigerian team at large. 'I have a lot of respect for Nigerian people. They are really respectful. Gift Monday is my friend and a good person. Really good football player. Unfortunate that she is not at this WAFCON. That's football. All the best to Rinsola Babajide. Let's see on Saturday.' Her remarkable understanding of the Spanish style, combined with the North African spirit of Morocco, makes her a unique midfield force heading into Saturday's showdown. Family, Faith, and the Power of Support For Diki, her journey is not just about individual brilliance—it's about those who stand with her off the pitch. She attributes her success to a strong support system and a coach who has placed his full trust in her abilities. 'It makes it easy working with a Spanish coach. He is a good coach. Someone who give me a lot of confidence. He believes in me in this WAFCON. I am trying to give him back. I think I am doing well and trying to be better. I hope I help the team more in the final to win this trophy.' Her husband, Nabil Chajari, added a final touch of emotion and belief in her journey. 'She deserves it and worked hard because she had a good partner in her life who always pushes her to be better and best on the pitch,' he exclusively told "We deserve the title with the hard work of the team and Moroccan people behind the team pushing them to be champions.' With the final now set, Morocco vs Nigeria on Saturday night in Rabat, all eyes will be on Diki to once again lead by example and inspire the host nation to their first WAFCON title.
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Heartbreak for Banyana Banyana as Nigeria claims victory in Wafcon semi-final
BANYANA Banyana midfielder Linda Motlhalo challenged by Rasheedat Ajibade of Nigeria during the semi-final of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca. Motlhalo scored a second half as South Africa lost 2-1 as the game finished with traumatic scenes due Gabriela Slagado injury. | BackpagePix Incredulously none of them did and goalkeeper Dlamini had somewhat expected them to redirect the ball to her right and went that way. But the ball bounced and trickled into the net untouched. Extra time loomed large when an innocuous-looking punt from the middle of the pitch by Michelle Alozie found its way into the box. The Banyana defenders went to sleep, leaving two Nigerian strikers in the position to connect with the ball. South Africa's senior national team were knocked out of the Total Energies Women's Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday night in Casablanca, Desiree Ellis' team losing 2-1 to bitter rivals Nigeria who are now set to become continental champions a record extending 10th time. THE TITLE defence dream has gone up in smoke. Banyana Banyaya's reign as African champions is over. Congratulations to Banyana Banyana!🇿🇦 You have made South Africa proud with your dedication, resilience and excellence on the field. 🫶🏾⚽ It was a heartbreaking way for Banyana to lose a match they'd appeared to have salvaged with an improved second half performance after they'd gone to the break a goal down after conceding a penalty. Bambanani Mbane had handled the ball in the box as she attempted to stop an attacker and Super Falcons skipper Rasheedat Ajibades duly converted although Dlamini had gone the right way and actually got her hand to the ball but not enough to keep it out. Banyana equalized from the spot kick also via star player Linda Motlhalo after Hilda Magaia was pulled back and down inside the danger box. The match was see-sawing from one end to the other, with Banyana actually enjoying the upper hand when Gaby Salgado suffered a horrific injury that sent the players near the incident holding their heads in shock, calling for immediate help and then crying. The winger who had missed the 2022 tournament due to injury broke her leg during a goalmouth scramble as the Super Falcons went in search for the winner. The injury knocked the wind out of Banyana's sails as they lost the momentum they'd enjoyed earlier on. Still, it appeared the match would head into the extended half an hour period with just a few minutes left to play. And it looked as though Banyana were playing for time, no doubt keen to recalibrate following Salgado's injury. But Nigeria had other ideas and they pumped the ball forward in hope. That long punt looked set to be cleared, but with no Banyana player jumping up to head it clear it fell right in front of Dlamini and went the other way into the net, with Karabo Dhlamini's attempts to kick it out probing in vain as she only connected with it long after it had crossed the line. And just like that, Banyana's hopes of winning the continental title a second time was gone. Though they had enjoyed the lion's share of possession in the first half, it was Nigeria who had looked dangerous as they made the more promising attacks and forced some good saves out of Dlamini early on. The player nicknamed Sticks thwarted the Super Falcons in the eighth and 11th minute, with Tiisetso Makhubela clearing the ball off the line. Banyana had a brilliant chance to take the lead on 40 minutes but Hilda Magaia scuffed the ball wide of the goal when faced with just the goalkeeper. Nigeria then took the lead three minutes thereafter. The second half was barely ten minutes old when Motlhlalo equalized and Banyana should have gone ahead on 72 minutes after a great Salgado cross fell for Noxolo Cesane. The substitute did well to stab the ball through the legs of the Nigerian goalkeeper but not strong enough for it to go over the line as a SuperFlancos defender managed to clear it before it went in. Jermaine Seoposenwe then had a free shot on goal from the edge of the box but she succeeded in disturbing the Casablanca bats' flying pattern instead of finding the target. Salgado's horrific injury brought an eerie hush into the arena before the crowd stood as one and applauded her –as she was being stretchered off the pitch. Normality returned when Nigeria scored the winner that ended the dreams of Banyana bringing the title back home from Morocco a second time. They will now have to strive to get the consolation third place bronze medals while Nigeria will look to win their 10th title.
CAF
20-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Andile Dlamini: How to Turn Pressure into Legacy
Some people are born with it. Confidence. The way they walk. The way they talk. The way they approach high pressure situations. The way they approach adversity. The way they standout when their backs are against the wall. Andile Dlamini is one of them. She belongs up there. Three clean sheets in the three games that she has played at the TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 in Morocco Have Dlamini standing tall in cloud nine. South Africa's finest and the reigning WAFCON Goalkeeper of the Year from the 2022 edition is stacking up exceptionally good performances like a pack of cards. Standing tall whenever her team needs her, Dlamini is back at it – reminding any doubters if they even exist that she will always own moments whenever given the opportunity. Against a relentless Senegal side on Saturday in the last quarterfinal, she stood between the sticks and delivered an extraordinary display of excellence. The three-time African champion with Mamelodi Sundowns - 2021 and 2023 at club level as well as 2022 with South Africa at national team level, had kept her fifth clean sheet in nine appearances at the WAFCON before being the deciding factor in the shootout to deny Nguenar Ndiaye and Méta Kandé. Sticks, Safe Hands and Leadership Nicknamed Sticks, Dlamini continues writing her name amongst global stars. In a WAFCON edition defined by narrow margins and big moments, the 32-year-old custodian continues to be the heartbeat of the defending champions who are desperate to defend their title. A combined 13 saves in three games means that Dlamini has made two more saves than she made in the six games South Africa played at the WAFCON 2022 edition in their lead up to winning their first ever title. 'It was exceptional team performance. When we went to penalties, we know the capabilities that Andile has. It was really important to get those saves that she made. We are proud of her performance and the team,' says the content Banyana Banyana captain Refiloe Jane. When Jane and Senegal's captain Korka Fall were done with the pre-penalty proceedings regarding the choice of the field the penalties would be taken and which team would go first, Dlamini received immense support from her teammates both on the field and those standing with the technical bench on the sidelines. After she conceded the first one netted by the eventual Woman of the Match Mama Diop, Dlamini turned to the bench and said she felt some pain but being the fighter that she is, she says, 'I got the encouragement. Ramalepe [Lebohang] said 'sharp' and that is what a team is about. I am just grateful that my mind just channeled into, 'I'm okay'. I need to do this for the team. I think at that moment, it was a moment of 'I have to do this for my team.' I just did what I could.' 'The three clean sheets come down to the defense of the team. Defense starts with the forwards, the way that they defend at the front and then in the middle then that line and then me. It is a matter of understanding your role on a specific day, communication. Positive messages to each other even when it is so difficult,' she adds with her signature wide smile. 'I remember there was an instance where it was a buildup, and the ball went out for a corner. Fifi (Refiloe Jane) came and tapped me at the back and said, 'Let's go'. That's beautiful because we are a team. That is the spirit of Ubuntu. That is captaincy. That shows that she is a leader more than anything. What is beautiful about Banyana Banyana is that you have all of that surrounding us. But it is not over. We still have to go to the semifinals and make sure that we do our best and hopefully see ourselves in the final.' Nemesis, Omnipresent Nigeria To be the best, one must beat the best. The Super Falcons are featuring in their 13th semifinal in 13 editions. Everpresent. Chasing their 10th WAFCON title, Nigeria are waiting for South Africa who themselves want to defend their title – one they won in 2022. Their first WAFCON trophy. Dlamini together with her teammates want to feel the same way they felt three years ago when they lifted the continental title in Rabat after beating the hosts Morocco 2-1 in the final. South Africa have defeated Nigeria twice in the last two editions including a 1-0 victory thanks to Thembi Kgatlana at the 2018 edition as well as a 2-1 win in 2022 courtesy of Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hildah Magaia's goals just after the hour mark. Tuesday's semifinal will see Dlamini come up against a ruthless Nigerian side that put five goals past Zambia in a one-sided encounter and an opposite number in Chiamaka Nnadozie who has kept a remarkable four clean sheets explaining why she is the current African Goalkeeper of the Year. But for Sticks, this is another opportunity to represent South Africa and make her nation pride. In one word, she calls it, 'Sbahle'. Sbahle which means beautiful in isiZulu. Grateful to be playing at this WAFCON, Dlamini is making the most of every opportunity given to her. After every game, she is always the last one to leave the field, greeting their fans – South Africans and Moroccans. For those that are kids and ask for her gloves, she blows kisses to them and leaves them with encouraging words about football and life in general. Sbahle .
