Only eight teams remain in WAFCON, and the tournament is reaching fever pitch.
By Tuka Letura
After a lively group stage filled with late drama, standout performances, and a few surprises, the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) now enters the real business end—the quarterfinals. Only eight teams remain, and the tournament is reaching fever pitch.
Nigeria’s rock-solid backline faces its toughest test yet against Zambia’s free-scoring frontline. Host, Morocco, will look to ride the energy of the home crowd against a gritty, if unpredictable, Mali. Algeria and Ghana could serve up the most evenly-matched contest of the round—a meeting of two sides still searching for consistency. And in the final tie, defending champions South Africa will aim to remind everyone why they’re still the team to beat, while Senegal hopes to crash the party.
Here’s what to expect from each of these quarterfinal clashes.
Nigeria vs Zambia
Form Guide
Both teams advanced from the group stage with seven points apiece and remain unbeaten. Nigeria has yet to concede a goal, while Zambia has scored freely through two of the continent’s most lethal forwards, Barbara Banda and Racheal Kundananji.
Predicted Line-ups
Nigeria (4-3-3)
- GK: Chiamaka Nnadozie
- DEF: Nicole Payne, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, Ashleigh Plumptre
- MID: Deborah Abiodun, Toni Payne, Halimatu Ayinde
- FWD: Rasheedat Ajibade (C), Esther Okoronkwo, Rinsola Babajide
Abiodun’s return from suspension stabilises the midfield. Ihezuo, despite her two goals, may remain an impact substitute. Esther Okoronkwo is likely to return to the starting line-up, as Oshoala looks very rusty by any standard.
Zambia (4-2-3-1)
- GK: Ngambo Musole
- DEF: Margaret Belemu, Lushomo Mweemba, Blessing Maluba, Racheal Nachula
- MID: Ireen Lungu, Mary Wilombe
- FWD: Prisca Chifula, Grace Chanda, Racheal Kundananji, Barbara Banda
Banda and Kundananji are untouchable in attack, while Ireen Lungu’s engine in midfield will be vital in disrupting Nigeria’s build-up play.
Tactical Match-ups
Nigeria’s Midfield Stability vs Zambia’s Vertical Transition
With Abiodun back, Nigeria can regain control in midfield. However, Zambia’s quick transitions, often launched through Lungu or Wilombe, will test Nigeria’s defensive shape. Under pressure, Zambia tends to bypass the midfield, feeding Banda or Kundananji early with long balls.
Babajide vs Zambia’s Defensive Line
Rinsola Babajide remains Nigeria’s most potent threat in open play. Her movement between the lines and ability to stretch defenders will force Zambia to stay compact. Expect overlapping runs from Plumptre to support wide play.
Banda & Kundananji vs Nigeria’s Centre-Backs
This is the most pivotal battle. Banda’s physicality and Kundananji’s pace will challenge the positioning and recovery speed of Ohale and Demehin. To avoid being exposed, Nigeria must refrain from deploying a high defensive line; otherwise, they will face their first true test.
Set Pieces and Defensive Organisation
Zambia hasn’t excelled in set pieces, an area where Nigeria has a slight advantage and will look to exploit. Nigeria’s aerial strength in dead-ball situations could create opportunities, especially with Plumptre and Okoronkwo in the box.
Players to Watch
- Barbara Banda (Zambia): Captain, leader, and scorer. If she finds rhythm, Zambia’s chances soar.
- Racheal Kundananji (Zambia): Dynamic, direct, and clinical; often plays on the last shoulder of defenders.
- Ashleigh Plumptre (Nigeria): An aerial powerhouse and an assertive defender. She’s been Nigeria’s unsung hero so far and will be vital in shutting down Zambia’s sharp attack.
- Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria): Zambia will certainly test Nigeria’s goalkeeper, who is yet to face serious action. However, Nnadozie has the tools to come through unscathed.
Prediction
Nigeria’s experience and defensive discipline will likely contrast with Zambia’s aggression and firepower. While Zambia boasts the more in-form strike duo, Nigeria’s tactical maturity and midfield control could tilt the balance.
Expect a tightly contested match that may require extra time, especially if Nigeria manages to suppress Zambia’s early attacks.
Morocco vs Mali
Form Guide
Hosts Morocco progressed confidently through Group A, finishing top of the table with two wins and a draw. They arrive in the quarterfinals unbeaten and brimming with confidence, led by the brilliance of captain Ghizlane Chebbak, who tops the tournament’s scoring charts with four goals.
Mali, on the other hand, advanced to the knockouts as one of the third-placed qualifiers from Group C, after picking up four points in the group stage.
Predicted Line-ups
Morocco (4-2-3-1)
- GK: Khadija Er-Rmichi
- DEF: Aziza Rabah, Nouhaila Benzina, Hanane Ait El Haj, Zineb Redouani
- MID: Elodie Nakkach, Najet Badri
- AMF: Sakina Ouzraoui, Ghizlane Chebbak (C), Fatima Tagnaout
- FWD: Ibtissam Jraidi
Chebbak operates as a free-roaming attacking midfielder, often dropping into pockets to orchestrate play and get into scoring positions. Morocco’s width comes from Ouzraoui and Tagnaout, while Nakkach anchors the midfield.
Mali (4-5-1)
- GK: Fatoumata Karentao
- DEF: Aïcha Samaké, Fatou Dembele, Kani Konté, Coulouba Sogoré
- MID: Saratou Traore, Yakare Niakate, Fatoumata Diarra, Agueissa Diarra, Kadidiatou Diabate
- FWD: Aissata Toure
We could see Alima Cissé start in goal for Mali in place of Karentao, who had to come off due to injury in the last game. There are no updates on her condition at the moment. Mali may also opt to reinforce the midfield to contain Morocco’s central creativity.
Tactical Match-ups
Chebbak’s Influence vs Mali’s Defensive Shape
Ghizlane Chebbak will be Morocco’s creative fulcrum and primary scoring outlet. Her positioning between the lines and her ability to shoot from range will demand constant attention from Mali’s midfield shield.
Morocco’s Width vs Mali’s Deep Block
With Ouzraoui and Tagnaout providing width, Morocco will look to stretch Mali’s backline horizontally. Mali will likely respond with a compact low block, aiming to deny space in central areas and force Morocco wide, relying on crosses or long-range attempts.
Set Piece Threats
Morocco’s deliveries from corners and wide areas, often taken by Chebbak, could prove decisive, especially against a Mali side that struggled to defend aerial threats in their 4–0 loss to South Africa.
Mali’s Counterattacking Potential
While Mali has struggled for goals, their best route forward may be through transitions. Players like Kadidiatou Diabate and Aissata Toure will need to be sharp in exploiting any Moroccan overcommitment in attack.
Players to Watch
- Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco): Tournament joint-top scorer and captain. Her intelligence, shooting range, and composure make her Morocco’s most dangerous asset.
- Najet Badri (Morocco): A player with flair who is unafraid to experiment.
Prediction
Morocco are a firm favourite, with superior attacking cohesion, home advantage, and tournament momentum. Mali’s defensive structure may keep things tight for a while, but the Atlas Lionesses’ quality should eventually shine through.
Algeria vs Ghana
Form Guide
Algeria and Ghana, both second-place finishers in their groups, meet in what promises to be a tightly contested quarterfinal. Algeria progressed unbeaten with a mixed record of one win and two draws, showing defensive grit but limited attacking output. Their campaign began with a draw, followed by a solitary win, and concluded with a goalless stalemate against Nigeria.
Ghana, meanwhile, had a more turbulent path to the quarterfinals. The Black Queens registered a win, a draw, and a loss, finishing level on points with Mali but advancing by virtue of a superior goal difference. They have shown flashes of attacking intent, but inconsistency and lapses in concentration remain areas of concern.
Predicted Line-ups
Algeria (4-3-3)
- DEF: Morgane Belkhiter, Sofia Guellati, Roselène Khezami, Ines Belloumou
- MID: Melissa Bethi, Ghoutia Karchouni, Amira Braham
- FWD: Lina Boussaha, Ines Boutaleb, Marine Dafeur
Algeria are compact and disciplined, with a midfield double pivot offering cover in front of the back four. Boussaha’s mobility will be key to linking transitions.
Ghana (4-3-3)
- GK: Cynthia Konlan Fiindib
- DEF: Suzanne Ama Duah, Anasthesia Achiaa, Portia Boakye, Comfort Yeboah
- MID: Jennifer Cudjoe, Grace Asantewaa, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah
- FWD: Alice Kusi, Doris Boaduwaa, Evelyn Badu
Ghana’s midfield trio offers a balance between creativity and physicality. Badu and Boaduwaa will be central to their goal-scoring hopes, with the team expected to play higher up the pitch than Algeria.
Tactical Match-ups
Algeria’s Defensive Solidity vs Ghana’s Front Three
Algeria’s low block will be tested by Ghana’s front line, particularly through Evelyn Badu’s movement and Boaduwaa’s wide runs. The Algerian defence, which held Nigeria at bay, will be confident but must remain alert against quicker transitions.
Midfield Containment Battle
Jennifer Cudjoe’s role as Ghana’s midfield anchor could determine the rhythm of the game. Algeria’s double pivot of Benlazar and Boutaleb will look to clog central zones and restrict space for forward passes.
Set-Piece Margins
Both teams have relied on narrow scorelines throughout the group stage. This fixture may hinge on a moment from a corner, free-kick, or penalty — areas both coaches will look to exploit.
Psychological Balance
Ghana was fortunate to escape a tough Group C and will need to improve defensively after conceding multiple goals against South Africa. Algeria, on the other hand, may need to take more attacking risks than they have shown so far to avoid being overrun by Ghana’s pressing game.
Players to Watch
- Lina Boussaha (Algeria): A mobile attacker capable of unlocking defences with intelligent runs and ball control.
- Evelyn Badu (Ghana): One of Ghana’s most consistent threats in front of goal, offering both pace and technique.
- Jennifer Cudjoe (Ghana): The midfield general; her control of the tempo and passing accuracy will be vital.
Prediction
This quarterfinal has all the makings of a close, tactical battle with few clear-cut chances. Algeria’s disciplined shape may frustrate Ghana early on, but the Black Queens’ attacking flair and midfield energy could see them edge it, especially if the match stretches late.
South Africa vs Senegal
Form Guide
Reigning champions South Africa take on Senegal, the third-placed qualifier from Group A, in the final quarterfinal fixture of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. South Africa remains unbeaten in the tournament so far and has been among the most composed and clinical sides, while Senegal has advanced despite a mixed group stage performance.
South Africa topped Group C with a near-perfect run: two wins and a draw. Their campaign began with a dominant 4–0 win over Mali, followed by a tight 1–0 victory over Ghana. In their final group match, they shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw with Tanzania, finishing on seven points, joint-highest in the tournament.
Senegal, meanwhile, qualified as one of the best third-placed teams after finishing behind Morocco and Zambia in Group A. Their only win came on the opening day — a 1–0 victory over Tanzania. Subsequent defeats to Zambia (3–2) and Morocco (2–0) threatened their progression, but that single win proved just enough to carry them into the knockout rounds.
Predicted Line-ups
South Africa (4-5-1)
- GK: Andile Dlamini
- DEF: Karabo Angel Dhlamini, Fikile Venessa Magama, Bambanani Nolufefe Mbane, Tiisetso Martha Makhubela.
- MID: Lebohang Ester Ramalepe, Hildah Tholakele Magaia, Linda Maserame Motlhalo, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Masego Motau.
- FWD: Jermaine Seoposenwe.
South Africa will look to dominate possession, control the midfield, and utilise Seoposenwe’s explosive pace in behind. Refiloe Jane’s return to full fitness has been pivotal to restoring midfield balance.
Senegal (4-3-3)
- GK: Adji Ndiaye
- DEF: Marième Babou, Aïssatou Fall, Wolimata Ndiaye, Adama Sané
- MID: Fatoumata Dramé, Bineta Korkel Seck, Méta Kandé
- FWD: Mama Diop, Nguenar Ndiaye, Hapsatou Malado Diallo
Senegal will likely adopt a reactive approach, relying on direct play through Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye. Defensive compactness will be essential to withstand South Africa’s technical superiority.
Tactical Match-ups
South Africa’s Midfield Control vs Senegal’s Direct Counters
Banyana Banyana have been one of the few sides to control games comfortably in Morocco, and their personnel tweaks have not hampered that dominance. It will be a tough ask to keep them at bay.
Magaia vs Senegal’s Full-Backs
South Africa’s wide forward, Hildah Magaia, poses a constant 1v1 threat. Her ability to isolate and beat defenders could easily unravel Senegal’s defensive shape.
Set-Piece Opportunities
Senegal’s physicality may give them an edge in dead-ball situations, especially from corners and long throws. South Africa must remain alert, particularly with Sow and Fall attacking aerial deliveries.
Depth and Game Management
South Africa’s superior squad depth gives them a significant advantage, especially in managing the match tempo and shutting down late threats. Their substitutions have consistently maintained quality, whereas Senegal tends to fade in the latter stages.
Players to Watch
- Refiloe Jane (South Africa): Captain, controller, and experienced campaigner. Her leadership in midfield could be decisive.
- Mama Diop (Senegal): Senegal’s creative heartbeat. If they are to spring a surprise, it will likely start with her.
- Nguenar Ndiaye (Senegal): Brings strength and verticality to Senegal’s attack. A crucial outlet in transitions.
Prediction
Senegal’s route to the quarterfinals has been tenuous, and while their physical attributes and counterattacking threat are real, South Africa’s cohesion, experience, and technical edge should prove decisive. As defending champions, they are expected to progress comfortably.
Regardless of who qualifies for the semi-finals, one thing is guaranteed: entertainment. Whether the matches are feisty, cagey, or appear to be so, the knockout stages promise drama and intensity. And as the tournament approaches its final stages, that entertainment is only going to get better — because when you raise the stakes, you raise the spectacle.
Full Fixture Schedule
- Nigeria vs Zambia; Friday, 17:00 WAT
- Morocco vs Mali; Friday, 20:00 WAT
- Algeria vs Ghana; Saturday, 17:00 WAT
- South Africa vs Senegal; Saturday, 21:00 WAT
Tuka Letura is an experienced sports writer with over six years of experience in the craft. He uses data and statistics to provide analysis and commentary. From regional to worldwide competitions, he has covered a wide range of sports-related events and topics. He is devoted to sharing his enthusiasm for sports with his audience and engaging them with interesting anecdotes and viewpoints.