The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, officially the WAFCON 2024 tournament held in July 2025 in Morocco, entered its knockout phase amid an unexpected level of balance and drama. The group stage, which saw 45 goals and surprise results throughout, ended with no team going unbeaten in perfect form. Traditional powers like Nigeria, Morocco, and South Africa dropped points along the way. Yet Zambia and Algeria advanced through as unbeaten sides, while Ghana rebounded after an early loss, and Mali and Senegal qualified as the best third‑placed teams. As the quarter‑finals began on July 18, the path to the semifinals promised both opportunity for upset and affirmation of legacy .
When Nigeria faced Zambia in what was billed as perhaps the most intense quarter‑final in recent memory, it seemed balance might tip in Zambia’s favor. The Copper Queens, led by Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, had impressed in the group phase. Yet the Super Falcons, nine‑time champions and still unbeaten, produced a performance of clinical precision in Casablanca on July 18, dispatching Zambia 5‑0. Within two minutes, centre‑back Osinachi Ohale headed in Esther Okoronkwo’s free‑kick. Okoronkwo struck again mid‑way through the first half, followed shortly by Chinwendu Ihezuo scoring from a loose ball. In the second half, Tosin Demehin powered home a header in the 68th minute, and substitute Folashade Ijamilusi sealed the victory in stoppage time. Nigeria preserved their spotless defensive record while producing their most dominant display yet .
This emphatic win made clear that Nigeria’s ambition remained unshaken—the quest for a record‑extending tenth WAFCON title was alive. Yet they did so within a shifting tactical identity: a side grounded in defensive discipline and match management, not just attacking flair. They navigated the group stage without conceding a goal and fired just four goals in that phase—data that points to a more mature approach under coach Justine Madugu .
As for South Africa, the defending champions, they earned their semi‑final berth after a tense 0‑0 draw with Senegal in Oujda. It took a dramatic penalty shoot‑out to settle the fixture, with goalkeeper Andile Dlamini making crucial stops and defender Bambanani Mbane converting the winning spot kick. Banyana Banyana’s resilience in this format reaffirmed their pedigree, and they will now face Nigeria in the first semi‑final in Casablanca on July 22 (16:00 GMT) .
Simply put, WAFCON 2025 has achieved surprising parity. Juventus‑style underdogs like Ghana, Mali, Senegal, and Algeria have carved out their moments of shine, challenging the old hierarchy. Yet the stage is set: Nigeria, ever consistent, remains a force, now matched by South Africa’s steely resolve. Their looming clash feels less like a formality and more like a decisive turning point: can familiarity and history prevail, or will rising challengers define the next chapter of African women’s football?
What started as a tournament filled with songs and moments of cultural expression—like spontaneous team chants from South Africa—of late has become a conversation on the evolving quality, structural investment, and increasing competitiveness across the continent. The semi‑final matchups promise more than medals—they represent a changing order. Whether traditional giants reassert themselves or new nations break through remains to be seen. For now, the knockout rounds offer both certainty and suspense in equal measure .
Credit: Africanews
