Group A Loaded: Hosts, Hopefuls & Heavy Hitters Set Stage for WAFCON 2024 Drama
The TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is set to commence, with Group A featuring host nation Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Morocco
– Coach: Jorge Vilda
– Best Finish: Runners-Up (2022)
Morocco aims to improve on their silver medal from 2022, leveraging home advantage and a talented squad. Key players include goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi, who has been a top performer, and forward Rosella Ayane, known for her finishing skills. With former Women’s World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda at the helm, Morocco is determined to go one better this time.
Zambia
– Coach: Nora Häuptle
– Best Finish: Third (2022)
Zambia, fresh off a third-place finish in 2022, looks to capitalize on their talent. With standout players like Barbra Banda, the reigning CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year, and Racheal Kundananji, the most expensive player in women’s football history, they have high hopes for the tournament. New Swiss coach Nora Häuptle will lead them in her first major finals.
Senegal
– Coach: Mame Moussa Cissé
– Best Finish: Quarterfinals (2022)
Senegal hopes to advance past the group stage for a second consecutive time. Veteran midfielder Safietou Sagna and prolific forward Mama Diop bring experience to the squad. They will need strong performances against Morocco and Zambia to secure a quarterfinal spot.
Democratic Republic of Congo
– Coach: Herve Happy
– Best Finish: Third (1998)
Returning to the finals for the first time since 2012, DR Congo seeks to surprise opponents with a cohesive squad featuring rising stars like Merveille Kanjinga and experienced goalkeeper Fideline Ngoy. With many players coming from a successful club background, they could be dark horses in the tournament.
