The qualifiers for the upcoming Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2024) concluded on December 5, determining the 12 teams set to participate in the 15th edition of the tournament in Morocco. South Africa, the defending champions, and DR Congo, making a return after 24 years, are among the teams heading to Morocco.
Ghana’s Black Queens faced a tough challenge against Namibia’s Gladiators but secured qualification for WAFCON 2024. Despite conceding early and trailing 1-0 in the away return fixture in Windhoek, the Black Queens ultimately prevailed 3-2 overall, securing their place at the tournament. This marked their return to the continental competition, and it was coach Nora Hauptle’s first defeat since taking charge.
South Africa experienced tense moments after a 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso in the first leg, but they ensured their qualification in the return leg with a penalty in the 56th minute and a goal from Nicole Michael.
Nigeria and Zambia, semifinalists in 2022, secured their tickets in the first leg by winning against Cape Verde (5-0) and Angola (6-0), respectively. The return leg saw Zambia remaining dominant, while Nigeria secured a narrow victory (2-1).
Mali easily secured qualification with a first-leg victory against Guinea (7-2) and a repeated success in the return leg (3-0). Senegal comfortably secured their place against Egypt (0-0) after a clear victory in the first leg (4-0).
The standout performance of the qualifiers goes to DR Congo, qualifying for their first WAFCON since 1998 by eliminating Equatorial Guinea, a two-time African champion, with a 2-1 victory after a draw in the first leg (1-1).
The twelve qualified teams are Morocco (host country), South Africa, Algeria, Botswana, Ghana, Mali, DR Congo, Senegal, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zambia, and Nigeria. The stage is set for an exciting spectacle in Morocco during WAFCON 2024.
