WAFCON 2024 Group C: Can Banyana Banyana Stay Queens as Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania Eye the Throne?
The TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 is set to kick off this Saturday, with South Africa’s Banyana Banyana looking to defend their title from three years ago. Group C features a competitive lineup, including Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania, all eager to dethrone the reigning champions.
South Africa
– Coach: Dr. Desiree Ellis
– Best Finish: Winners (2022)
After years of near misses, South Africa finally clinched their first WAFCON title in 2022, defeating Morocco 2-1 in the final. The team now faces the challenge of successfully defending their crown.
Key Players
– Refiloe Jane: A veteran midfielder returning from injury, Jane brings experience and tactical intelligence to the squad.
– Linda Motlhalo: A dynamic playmaker known for her goal-scoring ability and creativity, Motlhalo has been pivotal to South Africa’s success.
– Jermaine Seoposenwe: With Tembi Kgatlana absent, Seoposenwe will carry much of the scoring burden. This tournament will mark her farewell to international football.
Chances: Despite missing key players, South Africa has the depth to contend for another title. Small details may determine their fate in the knockout stages.
Ghana
– Coach: Kim Björkegren
– Best Finish: Runners-Up (1998, 2002, 2006)
Ghana is still seeking their first WAFCON title after three near misses. The team aims to build on their experience and youth, having missed the previous tournament in 2022.
Key Players
– Princess Marfo: An exciting young talent with a background in Denmark, Marfo is expected to make a significant impact.
– Portia Boakye: The captain and seasoned player, Boakye’s leadership will be vital for the team’s younger members.
– Evelyn Badu: A promising midfielder who recently moved to France, Badu has been a standout player in previous competitions.
Chances: Ghana’s squad has a mix of youth and experience, but they may struggle to advance far due to a lack of recent high-level play.
Mali
– Coach: Mohamed Saloum
– Best Finish: Fourth (2018)
Mali returns to the continental finals after missing the 2022 tournament. Their best finish came in 2018, and they aim to replicate that success.
Key Players:
– Agueicha Diarra: The forward, signed by Paris Saint-Germain, is Mali’s most accomplished player and key to their attack.
– Aïssata Traoré: Traoré brings valuable experience from her time in Turkey and France, having previously finished fourth in 2018.
– Bintou Koite: A reliable midfielder with significant international experience, Koite adds stability to the squad.
Chances: Although Mali has faced challenges recently, they possess the talent to surprise in the tournament.
Tanzania
– Coach: Bakari Shime
– Best Finish: Group Stages (2010)
This will be only Tanzania’s second appearance at WAFCON, having debuted in 2010. They aim to demonstrate their growth as a team.
Key Players:
– Clara Luvanga: A young forward with a promising future, Luvanga was a top scorer in the African U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification.
– Opah Clement: The captain brings experience from her time in Mexico and Turkey, playing a crucial role in the squad.
– Enekia Lunyamila: Another key forward, Lunyamila contributed to Tanzania’s recent CECAFA title victory.
Chances: While Tanzania is stepping up to a higher level of competition, they have shown promise in recent matches and aim to make an impact.
