The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), hosted by Morocco, witnessed a thrilling display of football prowess, culminating in a dramatic final. Twelve of the continent’s strongest teams battled for supremacy, with eight progressing to the quarter-finals after a competitive group stage. Morocco and Nigeria emerged as the tournament’s frontrunners, remaining undefeated in their journey to the final. Meanwhile, Ghana and South Africa, former champions, found themselves vying for the third-place spot.
The third-place play-off between Ghana and South Africa was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing both attacking flair and defensive resilience. South Africa dominated possession, yet Ghana carved out the more dangerous opportunities. A goalkeeping error by Ghana’s Cynthia Konlan gifted Nonhlanhla Mthandi an easy tap-in, giving South Africa the lead. Ghana, undeterred, mounted a comeback and leveled the score in the second half through a powerful header by Alice Kusi. With no further goals in regulation time, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout, which Ghana ultimately won 4-3, securing their place as the third-best team in Africa. South Africa, the previous tournament’s winners, had to settle for fourth place.
The final between Morocco and Nigeria was a spectacle of attacking football, played in front of a passionate home crowd. Morocco seized the initiative early on, scoring two goals within the first half. Ghizlane Chebbak, the eventual tournament top scorer, opened the scoring with a spectacular long-range strike, followed by a second goal from Sanaâ Mssoudy. The Moroccan crowd erupted in celebration, sensing a historic victory. However, Nigeria, renowned for their resilience, staged a remarkable comeback in the second half.
Nigeria’s fightback began with a penalty converted by Esther Okoronkwo. Minutes later, Okoronkwo turned provider, setting up Folashade Ijamilusi for the equalizer. The momentum had swung dramatically in Nigeria’s favor. With the match seemingly headed for extra time, Jennifer Echegini snatched a late winner for Nigeria, capitalizing on a long pass to score a dramatic goal. The final whistle blew, confirming Nigeria’s 3-2 victory and their tenth WAFCON title, cementing their status as the dominant force in African women’s football. Morocco, despite their valiant efforts and the fervent support of their fans, fell short of their first continental title, experiencing the heartbreak of a second consecutive final defeat.
The tournament also recognized individual brilliance. Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak claimed the Golden Boot award, finishing as the top scorer with five goals. Remarkably, she was also the joint top scorer in the previous edition of WAFCON in 2022 with three goals. Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie was named the best goalkeeper, while her teammate, Rasheedat Ajibade, received the accolade of the tournament’s best player. Their contributions were instrumental in Nigeria’s triumphant campaign.
The 2024 WAFCON, supported by official partner 1xBet, a prominent sports betting site, showcased the growth and development of women’s football in Africa. The tournament delivered exhilarating matches, dramatic comebacks, and exceptional individual performances. The passionate support from the fans, especially in Morocco, added to the electrifying atmosphere. While Nigeria celebrated their historic tenth title, Morocco’s impressive performance signaled their emergence as a force to be reckoned with in future tournaments. The tournament also served as a platform to recognize the individual talents of players like Chebbak, Nnadozie, and Ajibade, who shone throughout the competition.
Beyond the on-field action, 1xBet’s involvement as an official partner underlined the growing commercial interest in African football. The company’s commitment to supporting continental tournaments, including the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), highlights the increasing recognition of African football’s global appeal. Through partnerships like these, the development and promotion of football on the continent continue to gain momentum, fostering a brighter future for the sport. As the 2024 WAFCON concluded, it left behind a legacy of exciting football and anticipation for the continued growth of women’s football in Africa.
