Super Falcons Soar as WAFCON Kicks Off With Drama, Goals and North African Grit

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is officially underway in Morocco, and the continent’s best brought all the flair, fire and fierce ambition we’ve come to love.

From Nigeria’s statement win to Morocco’s nail-biting comeback, here’s what went down over the opening weekend of the 2025 edition.

Nigeria Silence Doubters with Ruthless Opening Win

The Super Falcons didn’t waste time shaking off the ghosts of past WAFCON slip-ups.

Having lost their opening games in both 2018 and 2022, Nigeria showed serious intent in Casablanca, cruising to a commanding 3-0 win over Tunisia in their Group B opener. Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide and Chinwendu Ihezuo all found the net, while goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie barely broke a sweat against a lacklustre Tunisian attack.

It only took four minutes for Nigeria to open their account — a Babajide free-kick bounced into the box and was helped in by Oshoala. Tunisia looked out of sorts and failed to register a single WAFCON goal for the fifth match in a row.

There was brief VAR drama when Babajide added the second, but the goal stood. Ihezuo later sealed the result from close range, rounding off a performance that was equal parts clinical and confident.

Fans on social media praised Oshoala’s leadership and Plumptre’s composure at the back, calling the Super Falcons “the blueprint” for women’s football in Africa.

Algeria Finally Get Their WAFCON Moment

It’s been a long wait, but Algeria can finally celebrate a WAFCON win, their first since 2014.

Ghoutia Karchouni’s composed first-half strike secured a 1-0 victory over Botswana, giving the North African side a crucial three points in Group B. Algeria controlled much of the game, and their patient build-up play paid off early when Inès Boutaleb teed up Karchouni for a smooth finish into the bottom corner.

Despite some nervy moments — including a handful of impressive saves from Botswana’s standout keeper Sedilame Boseja — Algeria held firm.

The win also broke a frustrating run for the Algerians, who are hoping to reach the knockout stages for the first time ever. Thursday’s North African derby against Tunisia is shaping up to be a high-stakes affair.

Senegal Hit Four Past DRC to Top Group A

Senegal didn’t just win — they sent a message.

With a blistering first-half performance, the West Africans smashed four goals past the Democratic Republic of Congo in just 45 minutes. Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye both grabbed braces as the Lionesses of Teranga raced to a 4-0 lead, ultimately easing off in the second half.

Their dominant start puts them top of Group A, where they’ll next face Zambia — a clash that’s likely to be one of the group stage’s most exciting fixtures.

Morocco Save Face with Late Equaliser

It wasn’t the start the home crowd had in mind, but Morocco’s women showed grit in their opener against Zambia.

Ghizlane Chebbak — the heartbeat of the Atlas Lionesses — chipped in a stunning equaliser in the dying minutes to secure a 2-2 draw in Rabat. Zambia, led by the ever-electric Barbra Banda, looked set to steal all three points after goals from Banda and Racheal Kundananji.

But Morocco rallied, and their comeback ensures they remain in the mix in what’s shaping up to be a tight Group A.

Fans at the stadium erupted when Chebbak scored, and online praise for Banda’s performance poured in from across the continent. Her early goal, just 75 seconds into the match, may go down as one of the quickest in WAFCON history.

What’s Next?

The action continues this week, with Nigeria set to face Botswana and Tunisia taking on Algeria in Group B, while Group A heats up with Morocco vs DRC and Zambia vs Senegal.

With 12 teams battling for glory, and only eight spots in the quarter-finals, every goal — and every point — matters.

One thing’s for sure: WAFCON 2025 is off to a flying start, and Africa’s women are putting on a show worthy of a global stage

Source: Super Sport

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