Latest news with #WAFCON
The Citizen
10 minutes ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Banyana still have a lot to play for at WAFCON, says Ellis
'It's not just the medal but like I said we're going to try and do this for Gabriela," said Ellis. Despite their failure to defend their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Banyana Banyana still have something to play for and they will fight with everything left in them to return home with a medal. This is according to Banyana coach Desiree Ellis. ALSO READ: Banyana star Salgado on the mend after successful surgery Speaking ahead of the third-place playoff match against Ghana at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Friday night (kick-off is at 9pm SA time), Ellis said that it was important for Banyana to end their WAFCON campaign on a high note. 'Most definitely, there's disappointment with not getting to the final of course but there's still something to play for and that is important,' said Ellis. Ellis added that they also want to win their encounter against the Black Queens for Gabriela Salgado, who will miss it because of an injury. Salgado suffered a serious injury during Banyana Banyana's 2-1 loss to Nigeria in a semifinal clash played against Nigeria at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium last Tuesday. 'It's not just the medal but like I said we're going to try and do this for Gabriela. She is going home with an injury, we will make sure that she gets a medal because it's important that we still fight for the third place, so there's still something to play for, it's not just a playoff match that doesn't mean anything. It's a playoff match that gets you a medal and I think it's going to be important how we lift ourselves up after this and then get ready for that match,' said Ellis. Meanwhile, Salgado underwent a successful operation at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco, on Wednesday. Banyana team doctor, Dr Lindi Mokoena, says following the operation, Salgado will be out of action for the rest of the year. 'Gabi sustained a fracture of the mid-shaft of her left leg during the fixture against Nigeria and underwent a successful surgery at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca. She will be out of action for the rest of the year, but we are pleased that she received exceptional care from the medical team of Banyana Banyana, CAF and the hospital,' said Dr Mokoena. ALSO READ: Ellis blames Salgado injury for Banyana's WAFCON loss 'We were fully confident and comfortable with the procedure that was performed in Morocco and would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to CAF and the dedicated staff at the Mohamed VI University Hospital for their professionalism and outstanding support during this time.'
CAF
an hour ago
- Sport
- 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
New York Times
4 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Nigeria's quest for a 10th WAFCON title is more than a mission. It's a search for their winning identity
After 96 minutes in the unforgiving Moroccan sun, two penalties and one horrible injury to Gabriela Salgado, Nigeria found a way to keep their 'Mission X' — to win a 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) — alive. Defender Michelle Alozie's surprising stoppage time cross-turned-goal proved to be the difference as Nigeria beat South Africa 2-1 in the semifinals on Tuesday. With the win, Nigeria secured their place at a WAFCON final for the first time in seven years. Advertisement It wasn't until Alozie exited the pitch that she even realized the goal had been hers. From a distance, it could have easily belonged to the box-crashing efforts of substitutes Deborah Abiodun or Chinwendu Ihezuo, who obstructed South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini just enough to allow the ball to squeak past the end line without fouling her. 'When I went into the locker room, I was like, 'Wait, what? This is my face on the post!'' Alozie told The Athletic after the game. A post shared by CAF Women's Football (@cafwomenfootball) Nigeria's journey in this tournament has been neither linear nor expected; their moments of excellence have been acknowledged only with an unapologetic raising of the bar. The nine-time continental champions' group stage performances included a 3-0 victory over Tunisia and a scoreless draw with Algeria so tepid that it prompted an apology from their head coach. 'We want to apologize to our dear countrymen and women for not winning the game because I know the expectation is that we must always win,' interim head coach Justin Madugu told the Super Falcon Show in the mixed zone after the match. 'We will make sure that we work harder to make them happier in the subsequent games that we have to play.' A highly anticipated but ultimately anticlimactic quarterfinal meeting with Zambia followed. Despite Zambia's dynamic duo of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, Nigeria put on a showcase, silencing the Copper Queens with a 5-0 victory with five different goalscorers. After their tense win over South Africa, the Nigeria are now one match away from their 10th WAFCON title and re-establishing their dominance on the continent. With a population estimated just shy of 230 million people, and a diaspora of about 17 million, there are Nigerian eyes, ears and mouths everywhere. And right now, there is one mantra, one cry that can be heard from Lagos to Casablanca: Mission X. However, it is not simply about the perfect, round satisfaction of the number 10. It is about reasserting their place atop women's soccer in Africa. But the arc has been more of a roller coaster, and Saturday's clash with hosts Morocco will determine whether Nigeria are, in fact, turning up or backsliding. Advertisement After leaving defeated from the 2022 WAFCON, where Nigeria were knocked out of the semifinals by Morocco, this team has been on a journey of redemption. It began at the 2023 World Cup, where Nigeria held then-reigning Olympic gold medalists Canada to a scoreless draw (which included Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie saving a penalty taken by the legendary Christine Sinclair), beat hosts Australia and pushed European champions England to penalties. That knockout-round appearance — along with those of their continental colleagues South Africa and Morocco — drew more attention to the continued rise of women's football in Africa. But the roller coaster dipped again a year later at the Summer Olympics in France when Nigeria failed to advance out of their group with losses to Spain, Brazil, and Japan. Critics called for a refresh that championed youth talent. They questioned the selections of veteran players who hadn't proven their worth for their clubs, and they were unable to understand how a team with Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Jennifer Echegini, Uchenna Kanu, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Ifeoma Onumonu on its roster wasn't spraying goals all over the place as they'd seen this team do for decades prior. Nigeria has long been a vanguard of women's football in Africa. The local scene was already thriving in 1989, with more than a dozen clubs playing in Lagos when the Nigeria Football Federation officially recognized women's clubs. And a year later, they were invited to participate in the qualifiers for the inaugural FIFA Women's World Cup. The newly formed national team went on to become the only African team at the 1991 tournament in China. 'By the time other African countries embraced the game, Nigeria had gotten ahead,' former Super Falcons player and coach Florence Omagbemi tells The Athletic. 'We set up a strong foundation and legacy for the team, which is winning.' Advertisement During the inaugural WAFCON in 1998, on home soil, the Nigerian faithful were treated to a masterclass. Their country scored 30 goals without reply across five games as they romped to the title. By that time, no other African nation had played in an official tournament. Nigeria had two World Cups under their belt and were headed to a pivotal third. The world remembers the 1999 Women's World Cup as women's soccer's debut on the global stage, with Brandi Chastain's sports-bra-bearing celebration becoming one of the most iconic photos in tournament history. In Nigeria, the memories are similarly sweet for different reasons. 'I think the biggest shock was the 1999 World Cup when we came to the U.S.,' remembers Omagbemi, who won four WAFCONs as a player and one as a coach. Nigeria was drawn into a group with North Korea, Denmark and the United States. After handling North Korea in the first match 2-1, Nkiru Okosieme scored 73 seconds into the game against the U.S. at Soldier Field in Chicago. The goal was fraught in the moment as the USWNT went on to win 7-1. However, it was a wake-up call for Nigeria, who went on to beat Denmark to qualify for the quarterfinals. 'That was the one that opened the door for most of the team because that was the first African team to get to the quarterfinal stage,' says Omagbemi, who, along with many of her teammates, signed with clubs in the U.S. and around the world off the back of the tournament. Nigeria lost 4-3 to Brazil on a golden goal in extra time of the knockout match, but making that first quarterfinal was enough to accelerate their momentum with a ripple effect across the continent. When it came to club football, Nigeria had gone global, but it took some time for their cosmopolitanism to show up on the national team. Players born in Nigeria were getting recruited to play abroad, but the post-independence spread of the diaspora meant thousands, then hundreds of thousands, and now millions more living outside the country, creating arguably one of the widest wells of footballing talent in the world. Advertisement In October 2020, the Nigerian Football Federation named the Texas-born Randy Waldrum head coach. The following year, he met Alozie and Esther Okoronkwo through a contact, simply because they were Nigerian and training with the Houston Dash in the NWSL at the time. Waldrum was in town and short on players; he needed eligible last-minute volunteers for a scrimmage and recruited them. Waldrum, who also served as the head coach of the University of Pittsburgh's women's soccer program (where he recruited Abiodun), has spoken at length about the importance of searching beneath the radar and recruiting across the diaspora. Alozie grew up in Southern California. Okoronkwo is just outside of Houston. The landscape of African football has drastically changed since 1991, when Nigeria appeared at the inaugural FIFA Women's World Cup. South African football has steadily developed over the decades. Zambia have transformed from a backwater to a soccer talent factory that has a direct pipeline into the NWSL. Morocco has gone even further, investing millions into women's football at grassroots, club and international level, and hosting three WAFCONs from 2022-2026. When the Atlas Lionesses first played Nigeria in 1998, they were humbled 6-0, but the student became the teacher in 2022 when they knocked out Super Falcons in a fiery semifinal. Still, Nigeria's historic success grants the team a platform few other countries have. That also comes with the heavy burden that accompanies every successful team. Anything less than continued success is seen as failure, not only for the individual team or country, but possibly the continent. And off the field, winning has not kept conflict with the federation at bay. In 2022, the team boycotted training ahead of their WAFCON bronze medal match after not being paid their bonuses. After the 2023 World Cup, the players had to seek help from the international players' union FIFPRO to claim bonuses dating back to 2021. Ahead of the competition, Waldrum said that he had not been paid for over a year. 'It's been nothing but a constant issue. Up until about three weeks ago, I had been owed up to 14 months' salary,' he said while speaking to the On The Whistle Podcast. 'The two and a half years before that, it was the same thing. I would go five or six months without anything, and then they would pay you a bit of it.' Advertisement Since Waldrum's exit after the Paris Olympics, Nigeria have not replaced him. Instead, the team is being led by Waldrum's former assistant Madugu, who has only been appointed on an interim basis. Regardless of his status as a temporary coach and the challenges within the federation, the pressure remains the same — and Madugu knows it. After the team's slow start to the tournament, Nigerians were anything but quiet about their concerns, flooding comments sections and lobbing questions at Madugu, who apologized. Still, players know what a 10th title could do to push the roller coaster back up the track. And they have plenty of talent to do so. Nigeria still produces talent at a rate that none of the other teams can, and are subsequently able to leave NWSL players like Kanu, who competed in the 2022 WAFCON campaign and scored a goal, and Gift Monday out of the WAFCON squad. Mission X is a quest not just for the current squad, everyone who surrounds this team. 'It would mean a lot for the team to win the 10th title,' Kanu said. 'The whole country is looking up to the team to make that happen.'
The Citizen
7 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Banyana star Salgado on the mend after successful surgery
Salgado will be out of action for the rest of the year. Injured Banyana Banyana utility player Gabriela Salgado underwent a successful operation at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco, on Wednesday. Salgado was stretchered off following a serious injury during the CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinal clash against Nigeria at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium on Tuesday, which was lost 2-1 by South Africa. ALSO READ: Ellis blames Salgado injury for Banyana's WAFCON loss Banyana team doctor, Dr Lindi Mokoena, says following the operation, Salgado will be out of action for the rest of the year. 'Gabi sustained a fracture of the mid-shaft of her left leg during the fixture against Nigeria and underwent a successful surgery at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca. She will be out of action for the rest of the year, but we are pleased that she received exceptional care from the medical team of Banyana Banyana, CAF and the hospital,' Mokoena told SAFA media. 'We were fully confident and comfortable with the procedure that was performed in Morocco and would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to CAF and the dedicated staff at the Mohamed VI University Hospital for their professionalism and outstanding support during this time.' Banyana and Super Falcons visit Salgado in hospital Salgado's Banyana Banyana teammates visited her at the hospital on Tuesday night after she had been stabilised following the injury. Meanwhile, in a show of sportsmanship, some Nigerian players also went to the hospital to visit Salgado on Wednesday and presented her with a signed Super Falcon jersey. 'The entire Super Falcons of Nigeria family, from players and coaches to staff were profoundly saddened to learn of the serious injury sustained by Gabriela Salgado during yesterday's match. Our immediate thoughts are solely with her for comfort, care, and the recovery journey ahead,' read a statement from the Super Falcons team. 'We are holding Gabriela, her teammates, her family and close friends in our hearts, sending our deepest wishes for strength and resilience. Our immediate focus, and our enduring concern, is solely for her wellbeing, comfort, and recovery. 'The spirit of competition instantly fades in moments like these, replaced by a shared sense of care for a fellow athlete. As fellow members of this football community, The Super Falcons NGR stands firmly alongside Banyana Banyana in solidarity and support. Our collective wish is for Gabriela's steady healing, renewed strength, and a return to the pitch when she is ready, surrounded by the unwavering support of the team and community. With sincere sympathy and solidarity,' Banyana were given the day off and returned training on Thursday to conclude preparations for the third-place playoff match against Ghana at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca tonight (kick-off is at 9pm SA time).
IOL News
10 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Banyana Banyana brave golden run ends in agony
BANYANA Banyana midfielder Linda Motlhalo challenged by Rasheedat Ajibade of Nigeria during the semi-final of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca. Motlhalo scored a second half as South Africa lost 2-1 as the game finished with traumatic scenes due Gabriela Slagado injury. | BackpagePix History and pride were at stake as Banyana Banyana stepped onto the pitch in the penultimate round of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, looking to defend their crown in a highly anticipated semi-final clash against rivals Nigeria on Tuesday. However, South Africa's hopes of reaching a second consecutive WAFCON final were dashed as they suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat, their first in the last two tournaments. The loss also meant they missed out on automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, with both finalists — Nigeria and hosts Morocco — now having secured their spots. Morocco booked their place with a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout win over Ghana following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Banyana will now shift their focus to the third-place playoff, where they will once again face Ghana on Friday. This match will be a rematch from the group stage, where South Africa edged the Ghanaians with a hard-fought 2-0 victory. Since then, Ghana have shown considerable improvement, making this a fixture to watch. The semi-final defeat also marks the second consecutive time Banyana have missed out on a major tournament at the hands of Nigeria. Last year, they fell short in the two-legged Olympic qualifier against the Super Falcons, losing 1-0 on aggregate and missing out on the 2024 Paris Olympics. But luckily this time with another route to World Cup qualification still available, we reflect on three key talking points from Tuesday's encounter.
