The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), hosted in Morocco, saw twelve of the continent’s strongest women’s national teams vying for the coveted title. The tournament, sponsored by 1xBet, the official partner of the Confederation of African Football, unfolded with intense competition and dramatic moments, culminating in a thrilling final. Eight teams emerged from the group stage, setting the stage for a knock-out phase filled with high stakes and memorable performances. Both Morocco and Nigeria dominated their respective groups, remaining undefeated en route to the final showdown. Meanwhile, Ghana and South Africa, having fallen short in the semi-finals, prepared to battle it out for third place.
The third-place match proved to be a captivating contest between Ghana and South Africa. South Africa dominated possession, yet Ghana consistently posed a greater offensive threat, creating numerous scoring opportunities. An unfortunate error by Ghanaian goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan allowed South Africa’s Nonhlanhla Mthandi to capitalize on a loose ball and put her team in the lead. However, Ghana responded with a well-executed header from Alice Kusi, leveling the score midway through the second half. With neither team able to break the deadlock in regulation time, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout. After missing their initial attempt, Ghana rallied, converting their subsequent penalties. South Africa faltered, missing two of their spot-kicks, ultimately handing Ghana a 4-3 victory in the shootout. Ghana secured the third-place finish, while South Africa, the defending champions, had to settle for fourth.
The final was a dramatic encounter between tournament hosts Morocco and perennial powerhouse Nigeria. Fueled by the fervent support of their home crowd, Morocco stormed into an early lead. Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring with a spectacular long-range strike in the 12th minute, and Sanaâ Mssoudy quickly doubled the advantage shortly after. However, Nigeria, renowned for their resilience, launched a spirited comeback. Esther Okoronkwo converted a penalty in the 64th minute to halve the deficit, and just seven minutes later, she turned provider, assisting Folashade Ijamilusi’s equalizer. With the match seemingly headed for extra time, Nigeria snatched a late winner. Jennifer Echegini capitalized on a long pass to slot the ball past the Moroccan goalkeeper, completing a remarkable turnaround.
Nigeria’s exhilarating 3-2 victory secured their tenth WAFCON title, cementing their status as the dominant force in African women’s football. Morocco, despite coming agonizingly close, experienced the heartbreak of a second consecutive final defeat. Their valiant efforts throughout the tournament earned them the respect and admiration of fans and pundits alike. The 2024 WAFCON showcased the growing strength and competitiveness of women’s football in Africa, promising an even more exciting future for the sport.
Individual accolades recognized the outstanding performances of several players throughout the tournament. Moroccan forward Ghizlane Chebbak, with a remarkable tally of five goals, claimed the Golden Boot award as the tournament’s top scorer. Impressively, she also finished as the joint top scorer in the previous WAFCON in 2022, scoring three goals. Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was recognized as the best goalkeeper of the tournament for her crucial saves and commanding presence in the box. Her compatriot, Rasheedat Ajibade, received the prestigious accolade of Player of the Tournament, showcasing her all-around brilliance and impact on Nigeria’s triumphant campaign.
1xBet, the official betting partner of the Confederation of African Football, played a significant role in promoting and supporting the tournament, underscoring their commitment to the development of football on the continent. The company also extended its support to the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), a tournament for national teams composed exclusively of domestically based players, scheduled to run from August 2nd to 30th.
In line with its sponsorship, 1xBet offered promotional incentives for new users, encouraging fans to engage with the tournament through their platform. New users registering on the 1xBet website could avail of a generous 200% bonus on their first deposit, up to a specified amount, using a designated promotional code. This marketing strategy aims to leverage the excitement surrounding the tournament to attract new customers and enhance their betting experience. The partnership between 1xBet and CAF highlights the increasing influence of the betting industry in football, while simultaneously providing valuable financial support for the growth of the sport across Africa.
