South Africa qualified for the semi-final after defeating the Teranga Lionesses of Senegal 4-1 on penalties after full and extra time had ended goalless.

Meta Kande and Nguenar Ndiaye missed their penalties after Mama Diop had converted their first penalty while South Africa’s quartet of karabo ohlamini, tisetso makhubela, Gabriela salgado and bambanari mbane converted their spot kicks to give South Africa the semi-final ticket.

Nigeria on their part crushed Zambia 5-0 to qualify for the semi-final.

The semi-final encounter will take place on Tuesday at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. The winner will take on the winner of the other semi-final between Morocco and Ghana in the final on Saturday while the two semi-final losers will battle for the third-place on Friday.

Nigeria is gunning for their tenth title tagged ‘Mission X” and will have to eliminate the defending Champions to keep the dream alive.

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Recall that Zambia defeated Nigeria by a lone goal in the third place play-off of the last edition making it the first time Nigeria did not win any medal at the WAFCON. Therefore the match was expected to be very explosive.

But as early as the second minute, Osinachi Ohale headed in the opener. Thirty minutes later, Esther Okoronkwo doubled Nigeria’s lead.

On the last minute of the first half Chinwendu Ihezuo scored Nigeria’s third goal when she calmly found the net in front of Zambia’s goalkeeper.

In the second half, the Copper Queens made several efforts to score but Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie  was exceptionally good to deny the Zambians.

Esther Okoronkwo’s 69^th minute free-kick was headed in by Tosin Demihin to make it 4-0 in favour of the West Africans.

Folashade Ijamilusi put the icing on the cake in extra time to make it five.

Nigeria will take on the winner between South Africa and Senegal in one of the semi-final matches on Tuesday in Casablanca.

The post WAFCON: Super Falcons Crush Zambia first appeared on National Ambassador News.

It was a very difficult encounter in which the Botswana ladies did all they can to at least get a point.

But the Super Falcons did not give up as they continued to press forward and were rewarded when Chinwendu Ihezuo reacted fastest to poke in Esther Okoronkwo’s cross beyond Boseja in goal for the Batswana.

Ihezuo was a 46^th minute substitute in place of Rinsola Babajide and her goal ensured Nigeria top group B with maximum six points while Algeria are second with four points after settling their encounter with Tunisia goalless.

Tunisia are third with a single point while Botswana are at the verge of elimination after losing two matches.

The post WAFCON: Super Falcons Cruise Into  Last Eight first appeared on National Ambassador News.

SOUTH AFRICA

The defending champions are expected to stroll past this group into the quarter-finals, though West African duo of Ghana and Mali will put up a spirited fight.

The Bayana Bayana won their first WAFCON title in the last edition despite having made 13 previous appearances.

They qualified for this WAFCON after defeating Burkina Faso 3-1 on aggregate.

Defending their title successfully is the target of the Bayana Bayana of South Africa.

GHANA

The Black Queens of Ghana are returning to the WAFCON since 2018 as they will be making their 13^th appearance.

To qualify, they spanked Rwanda 12-0 on aggregate in the first round of qualifiers before they secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Namibia in the second round of qualifiers.

They had gotten to the finals in three occasions, 1998, 2002 and 2006 and in each occasion they succumbed to the superior fire power of the Super Falcons of Nigeria.

Could this be their year?

MALI

The Malian ladies are making their eighth WAFCON appearance. The last time they qualified was in 2018, when they had their best performance finishing fourth.

To qualify for this WAFCON, they demolished Central African Republic 10-1 on aggregate in the first round before they whitewashed Guinea 10-2 on aggregate in the second round of qualifiers.

TANZANIA

Tanzania will be the whipping girls in this group. They are making their second WAFCON appearance since they made their debut in 2010 and failed to go beyond the group stage.

To qualify for this WAFCON, they defeated Cote d’Ivoire 4-2 on penalties after scores were tied 2-2 on aggregate. In the second round of qualifiers, they defeated Togo 3-2.

Sporting Ambassador’s Verdict: South Africa and Ghana will qualify automatically while Mali will qualify as one of the third-placed teams.

The post COUNTDOWN TO 2024 WAFCON: Focus on Group C first appeared on National Ambassador News.

1. Olympic Stadium in Rabat

The stadium is located 7km from the center of Rabat, the country’s capital. The venue was primarily constructed for the use of football, and it has VIP and hospitality areas with the most recent technological advancements.

The football stadium within the sports complex has allocated seating for VVIP and VIP boxes, VIP lounges, a VVIP lounge, four hospitality lounges, and a press box alongside the overall seating area. Then, on the field, the stadium has a hybrid natural turf combining natural grass and synthetic fibers. Then there are four changing rooms within the stadium with ergonomic equipment for the players. Also at the sports complex venue, there’s a car park for 5,200 cars.

It will host the opening match Morocco and Zambia. It will also host the final match on July 26.

2. Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca

It is a multi-use stadium in Casablanca, Morocco. It is used mostly for football matches and TAS de Casablanca, Raja CA and Wydad CA are the current tenants. The stadium has a capacity of 18,600 people after being and was renovated in 2019.

It will host all Super Falcons group matches against Tunisia, Botswana and Algeria. It will also host one quarter-final and semi-final matchs respectively as well as the third placed match.

3. Pere Jego Stadium in Casablanca

The Père Jégo Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Casablanca, Morocco. It is used mostly for football matches and is the home ground of Racing Casablanca. The stadium was named after Moroccan footballer and manager Pere Jego. The stadium currently holds 10,000 spectators.

It will host three matches in Nigeria’s group: Algeria vs Botswana, Tunisia vs Algeria and Botswana vs Tunisia.

4. El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia

El Bachir Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Mohammedia, Morocco, built in 1954. It is currently used mostly for football matches. The stadium holds up to 10,000 people.

The stadium bore the name “Bachir” after Chabab Mohammedia’s player during the 1950s and 1960s, Sir Abdessalam Bachir, a promising player who died in a tragic accident. The area of the official stadium with the stands is 11 hectares, while the annexed stadium area takes three hectares, and there is the third area that will soon be inaugurated as a sports hall.

It will host three group stage matches: Sengal vs DR Congo, DR Congo vs Morocco and DR Congo vs Zambia.

5. Honor Stadium In Oujda

Honor Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Oujda, Morocco It is used mostly for football matches, and it’s the 7th largest stadium in Morocco with a capacity of 35,000 and it has a natural grass pitch.

The Honor Stadium is located approximately 5 kilometres from the center of the city, 2 kilometres from the railway station, and 17 kilometres from Oujda Angads airport.

It will host three group matches including the epic battle between defending champions, South Africa against Ghana as well as Tanzania vs South Africa and South Africa vs Mali. It will also host one quarter-final match.

6. Berkane Stadium in Berkane.

The Stade Municipal de Berkane, located in the city of Berkane in the Eastern of Morocco. It has a seating capacity of 10,000 spectators; the stadium underwent significant improvements in 2017 when a natural lawn replaced the synthetic turf that was initially installed.

The stadium gained recognition when it hosted the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup between RS Berkane and Zamalek SC on 19 May 2019.

The stadium features several essential facilities, including a foyer, a hall of honor, a doping control room, a nursing room, two clothes warehouses, sanitary facilities, and a meeting room for referees.

The playing field is covered with artificial grass that incorporates natural fibers, ensuring an optimal playing surface for the players. With its modern amenities and rich sporting history, the Stade Municipal de Berkane continues to serve as a symbol of pride for both the local community and fans of the beautiful game.

It will host three group matches, and a quarter-final match. The three group matches are: Mali vs Tanzania, Ghana vs Mali and Ghana vs Tanzania.

The post COUNTDOWN TO 2024 WAFCON: Focus on the Battlefield first appeared on National Ambassador News.

The only Nigerian that made the list is Yemisi Akintoye. She is a member of the Lagos State Football Referees Council. Akintoye earned her place at the tournament following her successful performance at the WAFCON preparatory course held earlier last month in Cairo, Egypt. She was badged as a FIFA referee in 2021 and has previously officiated in the WAFU Women’s Champions League, WAFU B U-20 Championship, and the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Other referees are Ghada Mehat from Algeria, Awa Alphonsine Ilboudo from Burkina Faso, Suavis Iratunga from Burundi, Aline Guimbang Etong from Cameroon, Shahenda El Maghrabi from Egypt and Akissi Konan from Cote d’Ivoire.

Others are Josephine Wanjiku from Kenya, Yacine Samassa from from Mauritania, Bouchra Karboubi and Sabah Sadir from Morocco, Twanyanyukwa Antsino from Namibia and Aline Umutoni from Rwanda.

Aminata Fullah from Sierra Leone, Akhona Makalima from Souith Africa, Vincentia Amedome from Togo, Dorsaf Ganouati from Tunisia and Shamira Nabbada from Uganda also made the referees list.

The assistant referees are Asmah Ouahab from Algeria, Nafissatou Yekini from Benin Republic, Fides Bangourabona from Burundi, Carine Atezambong Fomo from Cameroon, Mireille Kanjinga from DR Congo, Yara Atef from Egypt, Mahawa Kourouma from Guinea, Hannah Moses from Liberia, Fanta Kone from Mali, Mariem Chedad from Mauritania, Fathia Jermoumi and Ishsane Nouajli from Morocco, Sakina Hamidou Alfa from Niger Republic.

Others are Alice Umutesi from Rwanda, Tabara Mbodji from Senegal, Houda Afine from Tunisia, Diana Chikotesha and Nancy Kasitu from Zambia.

The VAR officials are Lamia Atman from Algeria, Hossam Haggag from Egypt, Letticia Viana from Eswatini, Pierre Atcho from Gabon, Daniel Nii Laryea from Ghana, Abdulrazg Ahmed from Libya, Babacar Sarr from Mauritania, Maria Rivet from Mauritius, Salima Mukasanga from Rwanda and Abdalaziz Yasir Ahmed from Sudan.

Fans expect a fair officiating from this team, to ensure the emergence of a worthy champion.

The post COUNTDOWN TO 2024 WAFCON: Focus on the Match Officials first appeared on National Ambassador News.

Both teams were originally scheduled to play twice. But due to the late arrival of the Cameroon ladies, the first match scheduled for Saturday 31^st May was called off as the Lionesses only arrived the previous day.

The match was then scheduled to hold on Monday June 2, but the Confederation of African Football CAF intervened and moved the match to today.

Meanwhile the visitors are not leaving any stone unturned as they have resumed training in their base in Ijebu Ode.

The Super Falcons, on their part are eager to prey on the Lionesses as they will be playing their first match since their 1-0 loss to France in a friendly match in November last year.

This friendly will help the Super Falcons fine-tune their team ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations slated for Morocco between July 5 and 25, 2025.

At the WAFCON, Nigeria will play in Group B against North African duo of Tunisia and Algeria as well as Boswana.

The Super Falcons will be fielding players like Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie, Toni Payne and Rinsola Babajide.

There are places for Nigeria’s Women Football League top scorer, Bolaji Olamide and Emem Essien of Edo Queens.

Watch out for Francisca Ordega, Omorinsola Babajide, Rofiat Imuran, Oluwatosin Demehin, Josephine Mathias, Sikiratu Isah, Jennifer Echegini, Osinachi Ohale, Amarachi Odoma, Morufa Ademola, Miracle Usani, Blessing Ilivieda, and Linda Jiwuaku.

Matches between the Super Falcons of Nigeria and the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon are always explosive and this one will not be an exception though it is a friendly match.

They met twice last year in the Paris Olympic qualifiers. The first leg ended goalless in Yaunde before the Super Falcons defeated them by a lone goal to win by the same margin on aggregate and booked their place for the Olympics in the expense of the Cameroonians.

The post FRIENDLY: Super Falcons Set For Lionesses first appeared on National Ambassador News.