Latest news with #WAFCON2022
CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
Nigeria, South Africa unite to visit Salgado after horror injury
A lot can happen in 24 hours. And such is life. For South African defender Gabriela Salgado, the semifinal between the reigning African champions Banyana Banyana and nine-time continental winners at the ongoing TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 was an exciting opportunity for her to showcase her expertise. On Monday, July 21, Salgado had showed up for the pre-match press conference in high spirits, answered every question asked by the South African, Nigerian and international media at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. Her vibrant energy was felt throughout the packed press conference room ahead of what has been established as the biggest rivalry in Women's Football in Africa. She spoke with excitement and promised to make South Africa proud. She continuously spoke with positivity pointing at her teammates' togetherness throughout the tournament and what it means for her to finally feature at Africa's biggest showpiece. The 28-year-old, who features for JVW in the South African topflight league, had previously missed out on representing her nation at the WAFCON 2022 in Morocco after she sustained an almost career-ending injury in the week leading up to the tournament. Her presence at the current edition where she started on the bench for Banyana Banyana in their opening two games before earning her spot in the starting lineup speaks to her resilience and never-give-up attitude. 'We know we're going into the semifinal game, it's going to be a challenge, but we are physically and mentally prepared. We know the responsibility we hold, and we just look forward to a good game and hopefully finishing it within the 90 minutes,' Salgado had said prior to the match. Until Salgado's injury, the tie was at 1-1 after an Ajibade penalty opened the scoring for Nigeria before South Africa equalized through a Linda Motlhalo penalty. 'Every game that we play we take our lessons, and we obviously take it into the next game and improving what we learned from that game. Just going into this game, I think the Senegal game of course brought us together as a team, we saw the desire, the hunger in each other's eyes and it brought us just closer together knowing how we'll need each other going into the next game. I think the team is prepared, we're ready, we know what we have to do, and I think everyone is just on the same page and we are excited for the game.' This excitement could be seen when Salgado and her teammates stepped off the bus and sang their way to the away dressing room – full of energy and ready to face the mountain in front of them that was Nigeria. But as fate would have it, Salgado suffered a horrific injury. The reaction of both sets of players alerted those watching the game inside the Larbi Zaouli Stadium and across the world. Hands on their heads, some in tears, others with their heads to the grass and some took to the technical benches for comfort. The South African Football Association (SAFA) has released a statement with the Banyana Banyana doctor Lindi Mokoena saying, 'Gabi [Salgado] 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. We were fully confident and comfortable with the procedure being 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.' Ramaphosa Message of Support South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sent a message of support to Salgado saying, 'Today, our thoughts are with Banyana Banyana's @G_Salgado9 as we wish Gabriela a comfortable and speedy recovery from her traumatic injury in last night's WAFCON semi-final against a victorious Nigeria. I know you're a woman of deep and public faith, Gabriela, and you're a woman of bravery and skill on the pitch. The nation wishes you well. Casablanca was always going to be a tough ask for our national team as Africa's defending champions and Nigeria's breakthrough in referee's optional proved this. We are confident Banyana Banyana will regroup and return to WAFCON as future champs. We wish Nigeria's Super Falcons and Morocco's Atlas Lionesses well for Saturday's dream home final for the host nation.' Today, our thoughts are with Banyana Banyana's @G_Salgado9 as we wish Gabriela a comfortable and speedy recovery from her traumatic injury in last night's WAFCON semi-final against a victorious Nigeria. I know you're a woman of deep and public faith, Gabriela, and you're a woman… — Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) July 23, 2025 Nigeria Super Falcons visit Salgado In pure show of class and sportswomanship, the Super Falcons of Nigeria showed up at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca to visit Salgado after sending messages to her on social media across several platforms. Fans across the world have praised this visit as a showcase of humanity and how football brings the world together. As the great icon of South Africa Nelson Mandela once said, 'Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.' Nigeria and South Africa have met a record 12 times at the WAFCON.
CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
Morocco vs Nigeria: Dreaming of One, Chasing 10
The TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 has reached the business end with hosts Morocco booking their spot in a second consecutive final where they will face nine-time record African champions Nigeria on Saturday, July 26 at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. This will be the fourth meeting between the two teams at the WAFCON with the Atlas Lionesses emerging victorious in their last meeting: a 5-4 win after a tense penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in the semifinals of the WAFCON 2022 in Rabat. Rookies to serious title contenders When Morocco embarked on an intentional Women's Football Strategy five years ago, winning major trophies was part of the plan. And ahead of this weekend's final, it is not a surprise to any Moroccan that the team is standing up tall against the best teams in Africa. Prior to the 2022 edition, Morocco had made two appearances at the continent's biggest showpiece amassing a win and a draw in two editions – in 1998 and 2000 while conceding 22 goals and scoring five. In their third appearance – this time at home in front of their fans, they went to the final but fell to a very well-oiled South African side 1-2. They are back now – bigger, stronger and ready to fight again and give something to their fans who have filled the Olympic Stadium to the brim every match day in Rabat. The leadership of captain Ghizlane Chebbak, the individual brilliance and growth of Fatima Tagnaout, Sanaa Mssoudy, Ibtissam Jraidi and Sakina Ouzraoui within the team collective has been a revelation to the Moroccan fans who are now scrambling to buy tickets for the final to witness what could be history – a first WAFCON title. They believe their dreams are valid. An AFCON title in 1976 for the Atlas Lions is the best Morocco has amassed coupled with a first ever semifinal finish for an African team at a FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 is what the current generation can relate to as success for their football teams on the global scene. The weight of these dreams is what the Atlas Lionesses believe they can deliver when they come up against a resilient and dominant Nigerian outfit. Their journey in 2025 has been yet another fairytale – coming from behind twice to hold a strong Zambian side to a 2-2 draw in their opener to seeing off DR Congo 4-2 thanks to a Chebbak hattrick before edging Senegal 1-0 in a tightly contested game to finish top of Group A. The Atlas Lionesses looked comfortable as they cruised to a convincing 3-1 win against Mali to set up a date with Ghana in the semifinals. The Black Queens tested their resolve on the day, taking the game to extra time and penalties. It took goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi's magic to deny teenage sensation Comfort Yeboah and an Evelyn Badu miss earlier for the Atlas Lionesses to progress to the coveted final. In their journey to the final, Morocco have scored an impressive 11 goals while conceding in every match they have played – a total of six goals. Er-Rmichi is yet to keep a clean sheet. Whatever happens, Morocco have shown once again that they belong to the big stage after years of building a team that is hungry to write history. Mission X in sight Social media has been abuzz with talk of a Mission X for the Super Falcons of Nigeria for months now. All stakeholders are locked in on this undertaking. For the players, they have shown that they are the team to beat every time that they have stepped onto the field. Group B leaders after three games with seven points from a 3-0 win over Tunisia, a 1-0 victory over Botswana and a goalless draw with Algeria. The Super Falcons booked their place in the quarterfinals marking a 13th straight time that they have made it out of the group stages at the WAFCON since the first edition of the continent's biggest showpiece in 1998. A convincing 5-0 victory over Zambia in the last eight in what was anticipated to be a tightly contested encounter sent a clear message to any doubters that the Super Falcons are not only the most decorated team on the African continent – female or male but they are also serious title contenders. At the heart of this campaign, captain Rasheedat Ajibade has proven that pedigree and hunger for more success is what sets Nigeria apart – year in, year out. The 25-year-old, who features for Atletico Madrid in Spain, has earned three Woman of the Match Awards in five games – the only player to achieve this at the current edition. Ajibade, who won her first WAFCON in 2018 at the age of 18, will be key to her team's search for a 10th continental title to further extend their dominance in Africa. Nigeria head coach Justin Madugu, however, will also have to rely on the experience of the old guard including the reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie who has only conceded once this edition – a penalty from South Africa's Linda Motlhalo and the hunger of WAFCON debutants who have impressed so far like Assist Queen Esther Okoronkwo who has amassed four assists in five games. The Super Falcons have never lost a WAFCON final – nine finals and nine WAFCON titles. To say that this has been impressive over the last 12 editions is an understatement. However, against Morocco on Saturday, they will not only look for their 10th title but will also be motivated to protect their legacy.
CAF
6 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
South Africa vs Senegal: From the pot and into the fire!
When Senegal line up against the reigning African champions South Africa, the Teranga Lionesses will have faced every team that made it to the podium at the last edition of the TotalEnergies WAFCON three years ago in Morocco. In a tough Group A, Senegal opened with a resounding 4-0 victory before losing narrowly to Zambia 2-3 and Morocco 0-1 and will now face the Banyana Banyana in their second straight quarterfinals at Africa's flagship competition. Gunning for history Competing in their third WAFCON, Senegal are on course to writing a new chapter in their history. If Moussa Cisse's side overcome the defending champions on Saturday, July 19 at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, they will have achieved their target which is to better their last performance. 'This matchup is in favour of South Africa. They are the favourites, and we are the challengers. We need to throw everything at this game. If we win, it will be our first time to go to the semifinals, and we shall have done that by beating the champions of Africa. We need to have confidence going into this game. We do not have pressure. If we put up a good performance, we can write a new chapter in Senegalese Football,' Cisse says calmly. 'We had a difficult path to reach the quarterfinals and despite that, we qualified. That was our first objective. We did well against the DR Congo before facing two good teams [Zambia and Morocco who finished third and second at the WAFCON 2022]. Now, we must pay more attention to detail. We must look ahead to the game against South Africa and look to improve from our mistakes made in these three games,' he adds. This is the second meeting between these two teams at the WAFCON with South Africa winning 1-0 at the 2012 edition in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. However, the two teams met in two friendly games in Thies last year with Senegal forcing a 1-1 draw in their first encounter before South Africa won 2-0 in the second tie at the same venue. Forward Pascaline Fofana Bassene affirms Cisse's confidence, 'We are motivated. We managed to come this far in the tournament so we will stay focused. We respect South Africa. They are the title holders. We are here to represent our nation and to do our best. We are going to play, and we shall see what happens. Hopefully, we will be great.' Senegal have scored six goals at this WAFCON edition – four against the DR Congo and two against Zambia with five of them coming in the first half. In their 10 games at the WAFCON, Senegal have never been involved in a goalless draw and nine of those games have been decided in open play with the only draw being the 1-1 with Zambia at the 2022 edition that went to penalties at the quarterfinal stage. The latter won 4-2 on penalties. Pursuit of legacy and greatness South Africa's head coach Dr Desiree Ellis is undefeated in open play at the WAFCON over three editions currently standing at 14 games including 11 wins and three draws while keeping eight clean sheets. This will be South Africa's second straight quarterfinal having edged Tunisia 1-0 at the last edition three years ago. 'We trust the process. If you underestimate a team, before you notice it, the game has gone. We have played Senegal before, but this is a completely new game, new part of the competition,' Ellis says with a serious face. 'We shall continue to rely on our teamwork. Our players shine within the framework of a team. Everyone works for the other.' South Africa have scored seven goals at this WAFCON and all of them are by seven different players including Bambanani Mbane, Hildah Magaia, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Lebohang Ramalepe, Linda Motlhalo, Refiloe Jane and Ronnel Donnelly. 'We are happy that it is not one player that is scoring, otherwise, we become easy to nullify. Our goals come from different paths – high places where we've won the ball…it makes it more difficult for our opponents to strategize. An individual does not score a goal by themselves. It comes from teamwork,' Ellis explains with passion. Ramalepe has had a goal involvement in each of South Africa's games thus far including making two assists against Ghana and Tanzania as well as scoring a goal in their last game against Mali. She has also created six chances – the most by a South African player. This could be thanks to her switch from the usual right back position to right wing. Ellis will look towards Banyana Banyana first choice goalkeeper Andile Dlamini who is yet to concede a goal having featured in two games against Ghana and Mali making five saves in each game - a save less than she made in the six games in the 2022 edition (11). Asked about the height advantage of the Senegalese, Ellis smiles and says, 'We are not going to grow taller in the next five seconds. We know what we are about. We have a plan that we shall execute to our abilities.' At the heart of Banyana Banyana's offensive charge is Motlhalo who continues to find her rhythm in the competition. She says, 'We have played Senegal before. They are growing. Looking at them now, there is a huge difference. There are players who have now signed overseas. They are looking very good. We shall see.' Pedigree or New Chapter? Whatever happens on Saturday, history awaits both teams. Should South Africa win, they will come closer to defending their title and should Senegal emerge victorious, they will go to the semifinals for the very first time. It is this suspense that will cast a cloud of tension in Oujda. Since their loss to Ghana in 2016, the Banyana Banyana have won five games against West African opposition in open play defeating Nigeria twice in 2018 and 2022, Mali twice in 2018 and 2025 as well as Ghana at the ongoing competition. The other game was a goalless draw against the Super Falcons in 2018 that they lost 4-3 on penalties. Even though it looks like the odds are against Senegal, both teams have a 20% shot conversion with South Africa scoring seven goals in their group games and Senegal netting six times. Both teams have faced 13 shots on target with South Africa conceding just once while Senegal have conceded three goals. A game that could be decided by fine margins is expected to produce fireworks in the last fixture in the Oriental Province with a trip to Casablanca for the semifinals on the line.
CAF
18-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Ashleigh Plumptre: The Super Falcons' Rock Driven by Heritage and Heart
Ashleigh Plumptre has emerged as one of the standout defenders of the TotalEnergies 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, earning her spot in the Team of the Group Stage. Known for her calm leadership and timely interceptions, the Al-Ittihad captain is proving crucial in Nigeria's pursuit of a record-extending 10th continental crown. 'My biggest growth as a player has come from my growth as a person. I don't feel like I have to prove myself anymore. I just want to be present for the team and give my all,' Plumptre told 'I have full trust in the team and what we're capable of. I've felt such an emotional connection with this squad and to be able to share these moments with them is something that I will forever be grateful for.' Background and Rise to Prominence Born in Leicester, England, Plumptre, began her football journey in England's youth setup, representing the country at U-15, U-17, U-19, and U-23 levels. Her club career saw her feature for Notts County, LA Galaxy OC, and Leicester City, where she helped them win the FA Women's Championship in the 2020/21 season. Ahead of WAFCON 2022, Plumptre made a pivotal decision to represent Nigeria, her paternal heritage, over continuing with England. It was a bold, heartfelt choice rooted in family and identity. Since then, the 27-year-old has become a key part of the Super Falcons, anchoring the defense and stepping up as one of the leaders on and off the pitch. Now the captain of Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, Plumptre has also demonstrated an eye for goal, notably during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Round of 16 clash with England and throughout her ongoing stint in the Saudi league. On Commitment to Country and Mental Fortitude Despite the twists and turns in her footballing journey from England's youth system to becoming a mainstay in Nigeria's defense, Plumptre has remained grounded and fiercely proud of her heritage. Her personal compass, she says, is built on values far deeper than the game. 'Playing for Nigeria means everything to me. I've always been proud of my roots and being able to represent that on the field is something I carry with a lot of honor,' she said. 'I've faced injuries, moments of doubt, and changes in environment, but I've always leaned on my values — being kind, working hard, and staying grounded. That's what keeps me going.' On Motivation and Long-Term Dreams For Plumptre, success isn't just measured in caps or clean sheets, it's also about leaving a legacy. The fullback has her eyes on a bigger goal beyond her playing days, determined to impact future generations, particularly in Africa. 'Football is part of who I am, but what motivates me is knowing that I can inspire others — especially young girls who look like me or come from similar backgrounds,' Ashleigh added. 'I've also started working toward my UEFA coaching license. I want to remain in the game, pass on what I've learned, and help shape the next generation — especially in Nigeria. That's something I'm very passionate about.' Father's Pride: Tim Plumptre on Ashleigh's Journey Ashleigh's father and agent, Tim Plumptre, offered heartfelt insight into his daughter's inspiring return to top-level football. 'Super happy because it's only been 15 months since her foot surgery and I wasn't entirely sure how her body would react and recover,' he shared. 'She worked so hard in her rehabilitation and was desperate to represent Nigeria in last year's Olympic Games, but she couldn't recover in time. That was so disappointing for her because it was always her childhood dream to play in an Olympics. 'But being able to be fully fit for the WAFCON is fantastic, and she is going to do everything in her power to win this competition for Nigeria. I never have any doubts in her performances as I know her capabilities, they are always at the top. She has worked so hard for so long, and this is her way of life. It's amazing that she's been recognised for her performances in this competition.' As her father and agent, Tim also acknowledged the bravery and sacrifice in Ashleigh's decision to switch her national allegiance from England to Nigeria. 'Incredibly proud, as she's had to put a lot of pressure upon herself when she could've taken an easier path by remaining within the England setup,' he exclusively told from his based in Leicester. 'Statistics bear out the minutes she played representing Nigeria, and she's earned this right through sheer hard work and determination, as there are so many talented players on the squad.' For Tim, Ashleigh's connection to Nigeria is not only career-defining, it's personal and intentional. 'It was absolutely vital for me to consciously raise Ashleigh with an understanding of her heritage. I took her to spend time with her grandfather, Harry Dotun Plumptre (RIP), and as many of her extended Nigerian family as possible. As a little girl, I made it a point to take her to New York, California, and London to visit her uncles, aunties, and cousins. 'This exposure was essential, as she wouldn't encounter many Nigerians in her day-to-day life. I wanted to ensure that she knew about Nigeria and her Nigerian family, and she has always been proud to embrace this aspect of her identity. 'Even at school, Ashleigh followed the women's U-17, U-19, and senior women's Super Falcons. Family means everything to Ashleigh, and that is why she treats her teammates as an extended family. This connection is evident both on and off the pitch, especially in the way she interacts with her Nigerian teammates when they score. She truly loves this team.' Madugu Recounts Plumptre's Consistency and Impact Super Falcons assistant coach Justin Madugu was full of praise for Ashleigh Plumptre following her inclusion in the WAFCON 2024 Team of the Group Stage. 'She [Ashleigh Plumptre] really deserves to be in the team of the group stage because we did marvelously well in both games that she featured. She was very outstanding defensively and offensively. 'The performance is there for everyone to see. She really did very well and I quite appreciate her performance and being part of the team for the group stage.' Madugu, who has closely observed Plumptre's steady rise since joining the Nigerian setup, stressed her growing influence in the squad. 'With every game, she keeps improving and generally as a team, our expectation is that we want to do well. We want to win. That is what we are here for and will be going for. 'Of course, she is very important to the team. She is an important member of the team. Looking at the role she played in both games she played, she really brought a lot to the team. 'She was quite outstanding. We expect that she will maintain such performance, standard, and even probably do better than what she did in both games.' As the nine-time African champions' Mission X intensifies, Plumptre is poised to be a defining figure in the West Africans' knockout campaign, blending heart, heritage, and high-level consistency to anchor their quest for a historic 10th WAFCON title.
CAF
11-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
South Africa set sights on quarterfinals, Tanzania desperate
Like a river finding its course after a dry season, things are starting to take shape at the ongoing TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 in Morocco. Nine-time record winners Nigeria have booked their place in the quarterfinals and to fall in line, the reigning champions South Africa want to continue controlling their destiny. No surprises. On seven occasions when the Banyana Banyana have started the WAFCON with a win, they have gone on to win the second match five times including in 2000, 2006, 2008, 2018 and 2022. Head coach Dr Desiree Ellis wants to qualify for the last eight as early as possible. She was in charge in the last two editions. Backed by history The last time South Africa lost a group stage game was in 2016; a 0-1 loss to hosts Cameroon with Ellis holding an enviable record of 10 wins in 12 WAFCON games including two draws. Winning is in her DNA. She has mastered the art of crossing the line when called upon. 'We have to stick to what we are good at because physically many teams are bigger than us. We want to take more chances when we are in the final third. We did that against Ghana but that was the first game. We are going to stick to our strengths – the way we move the ball around, the pace that we have,' Ellis spelt out her team's intentions. Against a team that they physically can match, the former South African captain cum coach wants her side to focus on what works for them. 'Tanzania have some physicality in their side. We still have to play compact. We are used to it – playing against teams that are bigger than us. Clara [Luvanga] is big and a couple of other players,' she pointed out in detail. Luvanga, who is not only an aerial threat but also a size nightmare for opponents, has struggled for fitness and will face a late test before she can be considered for team selection on Friday against the defending champions. Seen limping at all training sessions this week in Saidia, the Al Nassr superstar who is yearning to play her first WAFCON has been left frustrated visibly. For Ellis, a fully fit side has left her in high spirits and hoping to get a second victory that will be enough to book a last eight slot with the possibility of finishing as table leaders. Chasing a clean sheet will be another item on the defending champions' list that they will not mind ticking. Goal of the WAFCON 2022 Andile Dlamini aka 'Sticks' who recorded an impressive five saves against Ghana – her highest in a WAFCON match will be hoping to keep a fifth tournament clean sheet. South African defender Lebohang Ramalepe said, 'To be honest, it is going to be a tough one. We have played them before and we know that in this competition, they need a win to keep them in the run to get out of the group stages. As a team, we shall stick to our game plan. I know Tanzania. I have played against half of them at Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Women's Champions League. We know each other.' 'Long time', no see The opening 0-1 loss to Mali felt like an eternity to the Twiga Stars who really missed their leader – pitch general Opa Clement. A rare talent, whose relationship with the ball feels heavenly as if she was sent on earth to find gaps on a football pitch, score and/or assist. Her movement on the field not only gives hope to her teammates but to the entire coaching staff, fans back home and across the world. The Mexican-based Clement, who features for Juarez, missed the opener because of suspension but has been declared available for the matchup against South Africa. 'Opa [Clement] brings a different dimension to the way that they play. She probably would have finished a couple of chances if she was in the game [against Mali]. We are aware of that. Clara [Luvanga] brings a lot of pace too. We have to be a little bit more defensively organized,' Ellis insisted. Clement, who will be making her WAFCON debut, is looking forward to this iconic moment. 'We are ready as a team and for me personally, this means a lot to me. I can't wait to get onto the pitch and together with my teammates, show what we can do,' she says firmly. Tanzania head coach Bakari Shime admitted that they are under pressure after the result of the first game but says they have picked themselves up and are ready for the challenge ahead. 'We know that these are the defending champions. They are more organized than us. And because of that, we have to take extra care in this game. We will organize ourselves well in the midfield and be ready to attack the best team in Africa.' Veteran midfielder Anastazia Katunzi (left hamstring concerns) as well as dependable forward Stumai Abdallah (stomach discomfort) sat out of Thursday's training but Shime is hopeful that they will be available against South Africa. This will be the first time that Tanzania will come up against a defending champion and yet this tie presents an opportunity for the Twiga Stars to open their WAFCON goal scoring account. In their second appearance at the continental showpiece, the first back in 2010, Tanzania are yet to find the back of the net. Six of the nine goals they have conceded at the finals have come in the first half and this is something that Shime wants to categorically avoid.
