Merveille Kanjinga, the Congolese prodigy on a mission in Morocco
At 22, she has become a symbol of hope for an entire nation, embodying the rebirth of women's football in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Back in Morocco, the land of her continental triumph, she is preparing to compete in her first TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, aiming to lead DR Congo to the top
This is not just a transfer—it's a leap into orbit. Signed by Paris Saint-Germain on the eve of her 22nd birthday, Merveille Kanjinga saw her childhood dream come true.
'It was my dream since I was a little girl. When I heard that Paris Saint-Germain wanted me, I was very, very happy. I could hardly believe my ears,' she says, still emotional at the memory of the announcement.
Her arrival in the French capital is like something out of a fairy tale. But it is no accident. Paris noticed her because she shone brightly during the last CAF Women's Champions League—a tournament she dominated with TP Mazembe, culminating in victory in Morocco. This continental title, the first in the Congolese club's history, fast-tracked her career.
'There are so many good memories. We had a great team, very good teammates. It was an unforgettable moment.'
A national pride, a continental symbol
Her transfer didn't just bring joy to the French club. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the news was celebrated as a collective victory. In just a few months, Kanjinga has become the face of a rapidly evolving women's football scene.
'Yes, I realize what it means. People were very happy when they heard the news. I know they love it, and I do too.'
On a continent where opportunities for women players are often scarce, her journey inspires admiration and hope. A child of Lubumbashi, she is now a source of inspiration for thousands of young girls.
'Believe in yourself, no matter where you come from. What matters is what you show on the pitch,' she says, aware of her powerful image.
Return to Morocco, where it all began
Fate has its winks, and for Kanjinga, it brings her back to Morocco—where everything changed for her, where she won the greatest title of her career. But this time, she returns wearing her national colors to compete in the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations. DR Congo finds itself in a tough Group A, alongside Zambia, Senegal, and host nation Morocco.
'I know it'll be tough, but we're going to give it everything, fight to the end. It's a game, and the best will win,' she says calmly but firmly. No boastfulness—just an unshakable belief in effort and the team.
Though it will be her first WAFCON, Merveille is no longer a rookie. PSG and the Women's Champions League have hardened her. She doesn't shy away from the responsibilities awaiting her in the national squad.
'Yes, I see myself as an experienced player,' she says—a statement that speaks volumes about the maturity of this young striker, aware of her role as a driving force in a team seeking renewal.
Legacy and role models
When asked about the figures who inspire her within the Congolese squad, she answers quickly:
'Isabelle Diakiese is one of the most professional players I know.'
A natural nod to those who came before her and held things together, passing down the culture. Kanjinga hasn't forgotten where she came from. She knows that a solid group, united around proven leaders, can disrupt the established order.
This coming July could be a landmark. For her, of course, as she prepares for her first TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON—but also for Congolese women's football, which has been chasing results in the competition since winning bronze in 1998.
Through Merveille Kanjinga, an entire nation dares to believe in a revival. And if Morocco was the place of her club breakthrough, it could now become the site of her national team crowning.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al-Ahram Weekly
3 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Tennis: Top seed Fritz falls as Raducanu and Fernandez win at DC Open - Omni sports
US top seed Taylor Fritz dropped an early Saturday morning marathon to Spain's Alejandro Davidovich-Fokina while Britain's Emma Raducanu and Canada's Leylah Fernandez reached the semi-finals of the ATP and WTA DC Open. World number four Fritz, two points from victory in the ninth game, dropped the last five games in falling to the 26th-ranked Spaniard 7-6 (7/3), 3-6, 7-5 after three hours and five minutes in a match ending just before 2:00 am. Davidovich-Fokina advanced to a Saturday semi-final against US fourth seed Ben Shelton, who beat sixth-seeded hometown hero Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (7/2), 6-4. Fritz, who had 20 aces and six double faults, served for the match in the ninth and was up 30-0 but lost, then failed to take advantage of three double faults by Davidovich-Fokina in the 10th game. The other men's semi-final will send French lucky loser Corentin Moutet against Australian seventh seed Alex De Minaur, who eliminated American Brandon Nakashima 6-4, 6-4. Moutet withstood leg cramps to eliminate eighth seed Daniil Medvedev 1-6, 6-4, 6-4. "I tried to survive every point because it was hard physically," Moutet said after fighting off leg cramps. "I'm just proud of myself." Raducanu reached the brink of her first WTA final since winning the 2021 US Open, ousting Greece's Maria Sakkari 6-4, 7-5. And Fernandez, whom Raducanu beat in that Flushing Meadows championship match, reached the other semi-final by dispatching American Taylor Townsend 6-4, 7-6 (7/4). Raducanu, who missed most of 2023 after hand and ankle surgery and part of last year with a left foot injury, reached her first WTA semi-final since last year at Nottingham by dispatching Sakkari in sweltering conditions of 95F (35C). "It was one of the toughest matches conditions-wise I've ever played in," Raducanu said. "Those points in the second set, I was getting a bit wobbly I'm just happy I could close it out and it was two sets. "I think the humidity here, as well, it just makes it feel completely like you have just opened an oven and it just stayed open and your head is in there. That's how it feels." Left-hander Fernandez overcame leg cramps in the second set in advancing to face third seed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan, who beat Polish fifth seed Magdalena Frech 6-3, 6-3. Raducanu will next face Anna Kalinskaya, who defeated Danish fourth seed Clara Tauson 6-3, 7-5. Raducanu, Britain's first women's Grand Slam singles champion since Virginia Wade in 1977 at Wimbledon, beat four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the second round before downing Sakkari after a medical timeout in the second set. "Brutal conditions. Right in the peak heat of the day. It was incredibly difficult," Raducanu said. "I had to call a doctor on. Wasn't feeling too good in the second set. "When it's at that stage you know you're going to suffer and you have to just go until you physically can't anymore. It could be a little dangerous but you just leave it all out there on the court as an athlete." 'Benchmark' win Raducanu rallied to win the final five games of the match, calling it a "big benchmark" to reach the semis. "You get to a point where you're so tired that you don't really know what you're doing anymore, and I think maybe that helped," Raducanu said. Fernandez called it a "good steppingstone" to reach the semis, fight off leg cramps to break Townsend on her eighth chance in the 10th game to reach 5-5 on the way to victory. "It was definitely an adventure," Fernandez said. "This was the first time I've had to go through this. I'm proud I was able to stay mentally tough." (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
CAF
15 hours ago
- CAF
Ghana edge South Africa on penalties to clinch WAFCON bronze
Published: Friday, 25 July 2025 Ghana held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout to defeat South Africa and claim the bronze medal at the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca on Friday night. After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, the Black Queens triumphed 4-3 in the shootout at Stade Larbi Zaouli to seal third place in the tournament. It was a fitting end to a thrilling encounter between two fierce rivals with a history of closely contested matches at WAFCON. For Ghana, this was not just revenge for the 2-0 defeat to South Africa in the group stage, but also a repeat of their bronze medal feat in 2016—again against Banyana Banyana. South Africa struck first through Nonhlanhla Mthandi just before the break. Her crisp right-footed strike from outside the box in the 45th minute gave Banyana the lead and capped a dominant first-half performance. Ghana, however, responded with energy after the interval and found a deserved equaliser in the 68th minute, albeit in fortuitous fashion. A de fensive mix-up saw goalkeeper Andile Dlamini credited with an own goal after deflecting a blocked header from Alice Kusi into her own net. Both sides had chances to win it late in regulation time. Ghana's Evelyn Badu hit the crossbar deep into stoppage time, while South Africa's Linda Motlhalo forced Cynthia Konlan into a smart save minutes earlier. With the scores level at full-time, the match headed to penalties. Konlan proved to be Ghana's heroine, saving crucial spot-kicks from Hildah Magaia and Sibulele Holweni to tilt the balance in her side's favour. Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah had earlier se en her effort saved by South Africa's Dlamini, but Ghana recovered thanks to composed finishes from Alice Kusi, Josephine Bonsu, Jennifer Cudjoe, and Nancy Amoh. Jermaine Seoposenwe and Linda Motlhalo converted for South Africa, but the reigning champions fell short and left Morocco empty-handed, having missed out on the final and now the bronze medal as well. It marked a spirited comeback by Kim Björkegren's Black Queens, who entered the tournament as underdogs but leave with tangible proof of their resurgence on the continental stage. For South Africa, the result will sting. Desiree Ellis's side, crowned champions in 2022, had hoped to add a consolation medal to their cabinet. Instead, they return home needing to rebuild with younger players likely to take centre stage in the next cycle. As the final whistle blew on a tense evening in Casablanca, it was Ghana's players and staff who danced with joy— pride restored, and revenge sweetly served.
CAF
2 days ago
- CAF
Antsino Twanyanyukwa appointed Referee for TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON, Morocco 2024 Final
Antsino will become the first Namibian to take charge of the WAFCON final A team of experienced African women officials tasked with big day All-female officials reflect CAF's continued investment in women's football Antsino of Namibia has been appointed by CAF to referee the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Morocco 2024 Final. Antsino, who has been one of the standout performers among match officials during the tournament, will make history as the first Namibian to officiate a WAFCON final. Her steady leadership, consistency, and calm control of matches have earned her the ultimate honour. 'I didn't expect this at all; I'm still in shock. But with God, all things are possible,' says Antsino. 'WAFCON is a major competition, and expectations are high. We have to go in with the mindset that the whole continent is watching and give our absolute best. 'Personally, I believe I have the talent and the potential. They've seen what I can do, and now it's my opportunity to prove it; to show it on the pitch.' She will be joined by an elite team of assistants: Alice Umutesi (Rwanda) as Assistant Referee 1, and Tabara Mbodji (Senegal) as Assistant Referee 2, both of whom have been commended for their sharp decision-making and composure throughout the tournament. VAR Team Led by Continental Trailblazer In the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) booth, another iconic name leads the charge. Rwanda's Salima Mukansanga, a pioneer in global football officiating and one of the most respected figures in the women's game, will serve as the VAR. Mukansanga made headlines as the first woman to officiate at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2022 and has brought her experience from the Olympics and FIFA Women's World Cups to the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON, Morocco 2024 once again. Supporting her in this final are Letticia Viana (Eswatini) as AVAR 1 and Diana Chikotesha (Zambia) as AVAR 2, both rising stars in Africa's officiating ranks. Performance Backed by Merit Antsino officiated several key matches, impressing CAF's Technical and Refereeing Committee with her ability to remain poised in high-pressure moments. Her most recent performance showcased her exceptional fitness, and match control, all vital in the modern game. CAF Head of Refereeing, Desire Noumandiez Doue hailed her appointment. 'Their appointment was informed by their consistent quality and performance,' said Desire. 'It is the result of their hard work, both in training and in the matches they've officiated, as well as their overall readiness. 'Their performances have shown consistency in key areas: tactical awareness, anticipation, match control, and overall game management. The two assistants, in particular, are among a group of brilliant young referees emerging on the continent, and their improvement has been nothing short of impressive. 'This selection also reflects CAF's commitment to fairness. It's our way of saying: if you perform well, you deserve the best. And the referees selected for the final are among the best we have. 'Antsino for instance, has demonstrated all the qualities we look for. We've been monitoring her closely for the past three years, and she has done incredibly well. At the rate she is going, she's certainly a potential candidate for the FIFA Women's World Cup.' 'We know that a final is never just another match. That's why we invest in preparing our referees, not just tactically, but mentally as well. We emphasize confidence, focus, and the understanding that they are carrying the hopes of all of us on that pitch. We remind them: go out there and give it your very best.' A Moment of African Pride The all-women officiating team for the final reflects CAF's continued investment in women's football and its commitment to creating opportunities for women at every level of the game. Speaking ahead of the final, Antsino reflected not only on her personal journey but on the legacy she hopes to inspire. 'I know everyone will be happy for me now, because in Namibia, support comes naturally. I believe this moment will inspire many. To the young ones out there: work hard, stay disciplined, and always pray. Stay focused, and nothing will stop you from achieving your goals.' The TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON, Morocco 2024 Final will be contested between Nigeria and Morocco on Saturday, July 26 at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. For more information about the TotalEnergies CAF Women's African Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024, visit -ENDS- Further Inquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department
