WAFCON 2024: Best XI of Group Stage Unveiled

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The Technical Study Group (TSG) of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the Best XI of the Group Stage at the ongoing 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

Deployed in a classic 4-3-3 formation, the team features standout performers from the opening phase of the tournament, which delivered an exciting 45 goals across 18 fiercely contested matches.

🔥Electric Front Three

The forward trio selected by the TSG exemplifies pace, precision, and goal-scoring prowess.

Barbra Banda (Zambia) leads the line after netting three goals, combining physicality and sharp finishing to torment defenders. On the left, her compatriot Racheal Kundananji impressed with explosive runs and attacking verve, also bagging three goals.

Completing the trio is Nguenar Ndiaye (Senegal), who topped the group stage scoring chart with four goals, showcasing intelligent movement and composure in front of goal.

Together, they represent the growing attacking depth in African women’s football.

🎯 Midfield Maestros

The midfield is a balanced combination of vision, drive, and tactical intelligence:

Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco), named Best Player of the Group Stage, dictated play with creativity, pinpoint passing, and attacking flair.

Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria) offered dynamism and ball-carrying ability, connecting midfield to attack with her trademark dribbles and vision.

Refiloe Jane (South Africa) brought calm and structure, anchoring midfield with smart positioning and tidy distribution.

🛡️ Disciplined Defensive Line

The Best XI’s backline is built on resilience, leadership, and forward thrust:

At left-back, Ashleigh Plumptre (Nigeria) impressed with her composure, positional awareness, and overlapping contributions.

On the right, Fikile Magama (South Africa) combined energy and attacking intent with solid defensive play.

At the heart of the defence, Bambanani Mbane (South Africa) and Lushomo Mweemba (Zambia) stood out for their leadership, aerial dominance, and ability to initiate plays from the back.

🧤 Goalkeeper of the Stage

Chloé N’Gazi (Algeria) takes the spot between the posts after keeping three clean sheets, making critical saves, and guiding Algeria to their first-ever WAFCON quarter-final. Her performances earned her the Best Goalkeeper of the Group Stage award.

🧠 Best Coach of the Group Stage: Dr. Desiree Ellis

South Africa’s Dr. Desiree Ellis was named Best Coach of the Group Stage, after guiding Banyana Banyana to the top of their group with seven goals scored and just one conceded. A serial winner and current WAFCON title holder, Dr. Ellis once again showcased her elite coaching credentials—emphasizing tactical cohesion, squad rotation, and mental preparation.

“Her ability to inspire consistent performances and maintain balance between attack and defence was pivotal,” the TSG noted.

 CAF Women’s AFCON 2024 Group Stage Best XI (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper:

Chloé N’Gazi (Algeria)

Defenders:

Ashleigh Plumptre (Nigeria) Bambanani Mbane (South Africa) Lushomo Mweemba (Zambia) Fikile Magama (South Africa)

Midfielders:

Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria) Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco) Refiloe Jane (South Africa)

Forwards:

Racheal Kundananji (Zambia) Barbra Banda (Zambia) Nguenar Ndiaye (Senegal)

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