The 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco has commenced with a series of compelling matches, showcasing both dominant performances and hard-fought battles across various groups. Early results have set a competitive tone, with established powerhouses and rising teams vying for continental supremacy.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons, nine-time African champions, launched their quest for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title with a commanding 3-0 victory over Tunisia in their Group B opener at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring in the fourth minute, skillfully heading home a free-kick from Rinsola Babajide. Babajide herself doubled the lead just before halftime, firing a fierce shot into the net and notably dedicating her goal with a homage to the late Diogo Jota. Substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo sealed the victory in the 84th minute with a left-footed finish following an assist from Esther Okoronkwo. Okoronkwo, who came on for Oshoala at halftime, delivered a standout performance, displaying remarkable energy, precision, and intelligence, earning her the Player of the Match award despite not scoring. Coach Justine Madugu emphasized that the team is still building and focused on continuous improvement rather than being flattered by the scoreline. The Super Falcons now sit atop Group B and will face Botswana in their next match on Thursday, July 10, maintaining their undefeated streak against North African opponents. Former assistant coach Mansur Abdullahi expressed strong confidence in the team's ability to win the title, highlighting the blend of youth and experience in the squad.

In Group C, the Black Queens of Ghana faced a tough challenge in their opening match, succumbing to a 0-2 defeat against defending champions South Africa at the Honour Stadium in Oujda. Despite creating early opportunities, including Anasthesia Achiaa’s effort that struck the crossbar, Ghana conceded a penalty in the 28th minute, converted by Linda Motlhalo after a VAR review confirmed a foul by Grace Asantewaa. Jermaine Seoposenwe quickly doubled South Africa’s lead in the 33rd minute with a fine low strike. While coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance for the first hour, he noted a lapse in concentration after the penalty. The Black Queens, returning to WAFCON for the first time since 2018, struggled to convert their second-half chances, with Evelyn Badu and Alice Kusi also hitting the crossbar. Bjorkegren remains confident in his team’s quality, believing they can cause upsets in the tournament. Ghana will look to bounce back in their upcoming Group C fixtures against Mali and Tanzania.

Zambia’s Copper Queens delivered a spirited performance in their Group A opener, securing a hard-fought 2-2 draw against hosts Morocco at the Stade Olympique in Rabat. Captain and talisman Barbra Banda made an immediate impact, firing Zambia ahead just two minutes into the match. Morocco equalized in the 12th minute through an Ibtissam Jraidi penalty, but Racheal Kundananji restored Zambia’s lead in the 44th minute with an assist from Banda. Morocco’s captain Ghizlane Chebbak leveled the score late in the 88th minute, denying Zambia a famous away victory. Banda was deservedly named Player of the Match for her influential display, emphasizing the team's unity, experience, and focus. Coach Nora Häuptle had earlier declared the Copper Queens “ready to hunt” against their opponents. The team’s strong performance reflects the significant investment now being made in women’s football in Zambia by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. This increased support, including a 20 Million Kwacha allocation, has propelled the Copper Queens to unprecedented achievements, such as qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, reaching the semi-finals of WAFCON 2022 (finishing third), and making history by qualifying for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup – a feat the men’s team has yet to accomplish. These successes have also boosted their FIFA ranking from 103 to 80 globally and 10th in Africa, highlighting the immense potential when proper resources are allocated.

Also in Group A, Senegal made a strong statement by producing a first-half demolition of DR Congo, securing a comfortable 4-0 win in Mohammedia. Forwards Mama Diop and Ngeunar Ndiaye both scored two goals before halftime, effectively ending the contest early. Senegal now sits atop Group A and will face Zambia in their next fixture, while DR Congo hopes to improve against the hosts.

The tournament's early matches have set a compelling tone, with established powerhouses and rising teams showcasing talent and determination, promising an exciting WAFCON 2024 as competition progresses.