 with a convincing 4-1 victory over Tanza){kind=link}
Ghana secured their place in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a convincing 4-1 victory over Tanzania, while defending champions South Africa cruised to a 4-0 win over Mali to finish top of Group C.
The final day of group stage action delivered drama and reshuffled the quarter-final matchups. With both South Africa and Mali already through before kick-off, the real battle was between Ghana and Tanzania for the final qualification spot.
Group C Final Standings
South Africa – 7 pts (6 GD) Ghana – 4 pts (1 GD) Mali – 4pts (-3 GD) Tanzania – 1 pt
Ghana’s superior goal difference ensured they finished second, relegating Mali to third despite having the same number of points.
South Africa Back to Their Best
After a flat 1-1 draw with Tanzania in their previous outing, Banyana Banyana responded in style in Oujda, dismantling Mali with a dominant performance.
Goals from Lebohang Ramalepe, Refiloe Jane, Hildah Magaia, and 21-year-old rising star Ronnel Donnelly sealed the comfortable win.
Ramalepe opened the scoring in the 5th minute after excellent work from Jermaine Seoposenwe. Jane doubled the lead with a powerful free-kick. Magaia made it 3-0 with a composed finish following a slick team move. Donnelly completed the rout in the 79th minute, adding her name to the scoresheet with a scrappy but effective finish.
South Africa looked every bit like defending champions and are now shaping up as serious title contenders once again.
Black Queens Sink Tanzania to Secure Knockout Spot
In Berkane, Ghana knew only a win would guarantee progression. They delivered with an energetic and clinical display to send Tanzania home.
Princella Adubea opened the scoring in the 12th minute, pressing high to block a clearance and slot home. Stumai Athumani equalised before the break with a well-taken volley. Meanwhile a foul on Princess Marfo earned Ghana a penalty, converted by Alice Kusi, albeit with help from Tanzanian goalkeeper Najiat Idrisa, who couldn’t stop the ball squirming under her.
Evelyn Badu added a third from close range in the 87th minute, before Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah wrapped up the result with a composed finish in stoppage time.
The result eliminated Botswana, who had hoped for a draw in this fixture to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
WAFCON 2024 Quarter-Final Fixtures
Friday, July 18
Nigeria vs Zambia – Casablanca, 16:00 GMT Morocco vs Mali – Rabat, 19:00 GMT
Saturday, July 19
Algeria vs Ghana – Berkane, 16:00 GMT South Africa vs Senegal – Oujda, 19:00 GMT
Semi-Final Draw (Pre-Set Bracket)
Winner Morocco/Mali vs Winner Algeria/Ghana
Winner Nigeria/Zambia vs Winner South Africa/Senegal