by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 12, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s Black Queens have been handed a lifeline in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after Tanzania held reigning champions South Africa to a dramatic 1-1 draw on Saturday in Group C.
The result leaves the group wide open heading into the final round of matches. South Africa and Mali now lead with four points apiece, while Ghana and Tanzania sit on one point each after two matches.
For Ghana, the outcome was a much-needed boost following Friday’s frustrating 1-1 draw against Mali. Alice Kusi’s early goal had put the Black Queens ahead, but they couldn’t hold on as Mali equalised to snatch a point. That result followed Ghana’s opening 2-0 loss to South Africa, leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Tanzania, however, changed the narrative by stunning Banyana Banyana in the 24th minute, with Opah Clement heading home from a well-worked set piece. South Africa responded with sustained pressure and eventually levelled through Bambanani Mbane in the 70th minute, converting a cross from Lebohang Ramalepe.
Tensions flared late in the game as Tanzania’s Elizabeth Chenge was sent off, but the Taifa Queens held firm to secure a crucial point—one that keeps not only their hopes alive but also Ghana’s.
The Black Queens now face a must-win clash against Tanzania on Monday. A victory could propel Ghana into the quarter-finals, depending on the result of the simultaneous South Africa-Mali showdown.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 12, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Black Queens of Ghana are on the brink of a group-stage exit at the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Mali in their second Group C encounter.
Following an opening day defeat to defending champions South Africa, Ghana had hoped to bounce back strongly against Mali. Despite entering the clash as favourites, the Queens struggled to break down a resolute Malian side at the Stade Municipal de Berkane.
After 90 minutes of tense action, both teams were forced to share the spoils — a result that leaves Ghana rooted to the bottom of Group C with just one point from two games.
South Africa leads the group with four points after a win and a draw, closely followed by Mali, who also sit on four points but with an inferior goal difference. Tanzania, Ghana’s next and final group opponent, are third with one point but ahead on goal difference.
With just one game remaining, the Black Queens face a must-win situation against Tanzania. Only a victory will give them any realistic hope of reaching the knockout stages of the tournament.
The pressure is mounting, and Ghana’s WAFCON journey now hangs in the balance.
Group C Standings (After Matchday 2):
1. South Africa – 4 pts
2. Mali – 4 pts
3. Tanzania – 1 pt
4. Ghana – 1 pt
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 12, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s Black Queens were left ruing missed chances as they settled for a 1-1 draw against Mali in their second Group C match at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), a result that complicates their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.
Head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren expressed disappointment after the game, played at the Stade Municipal de Berkane on Friday, noting that the performance merited more than just a point.
“We played a really good game. We had chances to win it. We are a bit sad, but we need to win the next game,” Bjorkegren said.
Ghana started brightly, taking the lead in the 6th minute through Alice Kusi, who pounced on a defensive error to score. The Black Queens dominated much of the first half but failed to convert further chances.
That inability to capitalise proved costly, as Mali regrouped after the break and equalised in the 52nd minute through Aissat Traore, who punished a defensive lapse to beat goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan Findiib.
The result leaves Ghana with just one point from two matches, having lost their opener 2-0 to South Africa. The Black Queens now face a must-win clash against Tanzania on Monday to have any hope of progressing from the group.
Meanwhile, Mali move to four points and are in a strong position to reach the knockout phase.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 12, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Memphis Depay has sent shockwaves through Brazilian football after boycotting Corinthians training last Wednesday in protest over $1 million in unpaid wages.
The Dutch international, who is of Ghanaian descent, joined Corinthians in September 2024 on a two-year deal following his departure from Atlético Madrid—a move that surprised many given his high profile.
Since arriving, Depay has become a central figure at the club, even helping them clinch the Campeonato Paulista title in March with a win over fierce rivals Palmeiras.
However, mounting financial issues at Corinthians have reportedly delayed the payment of his wages. Depay had earlier issued warnings to the club, threatening to withhold his services unless the outstanding amount was settled promptly.
His training boycott—intended as a bold statement against the club’s inaction—has raised serious questions about his future in São Paulo. After holding talks with club president Augusto Melo, Depay has now returned to training. Nonetheless, he is expected to be fined for violating team rules.
The saga adds to the pressure on Corinthians, who are grappling with internal financial crises and growing scrutiny over player treatment.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 12, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
As South Africa’s Banyana Banyana charge into the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with their eyes set on retaining the coveted title, former captain Amanda Dlamini has sounded a stern warning about the state of women’s football on the continent.
In a candid interview with Showmax Premier League, Dlamini did not hold back in expressing her frustration over the continued marginalisation of the women’s game, despite the team’s continental triumphs and global strides.
> “At this rate, we may not see how much of an impact this team has had on women’s football because we always water down their achievements,” she lamented. “We’re deliberately stifling the growth of women’s football while boys’ youth programmes and senior competitions keep getting the mileage and recognition. It does feel like women’s football is on its own.”
Her words come as Banyana Banyana, under the leadership of seasoned tactician Desiree Ellis, kicked off their WAFCON 2025 campaign with a thrilling victory over Ghana. Drawn in Group C, they face stern tests ahead against Mali and Tanzania.
Dlamini, who captained the national side during a transformative period in South African football, acknowledged the unique challenge the team now faces as defending champions.
> “It’s not easy playing with a target on your back. They still have the same group of players, but it’s about how badly they want it. Defending a title comes with a different kind of pressure, and that demands a new level of mindset, attitude, and hunger.”
She reflected on a persistent issue that haunted her generation and continues to affect the current crop of players:
> “The challenge of not being prioritised and empty promises still lingers. We still treat this team like an afterthought.”
Despite her criticism of the systemic failings, Dlamini praised Coach Ellis for her tactical ingenuity.
> “She’s found a good balance between a solid defence and clever, creative midfielders. She’s also used preparation matches wisely by testing players in multiple roles — that adaptability might just be the ace up her sleeve.”
Looking at the competition, Dlamini identified key rivals who could disrupt South Africa’s title defense.
> “Nigeria are on a mission this year — Mission X — and carry more pressure than ever. Morocco will be looking to impress on home soil again. Zambia, with players like Barbra Banda, are always dangerous, and Senegal could be a dark horse once more.”
Still, Dlamini remains inspired by what this Banyana generation has already achieved — and what it could mean for future generations.
> “They’ve shown that it’s possible. They’ve opened doors, inspired belief, and proven that the global stage isn’t out of reach. But lasting change will take time and sacrifice — generation after generation.”
Her final rallying cry to the team was one of unity, purpose, and passion.
> “My message to the team is to fight — fight harder together this year than even in 2022. Their mindset and determination in defending the title will earn them even more respect across the continent.”
As the continent watches Banyana Banyana’s title defense unfold, Dlamini’s words echo loud — not just as commentary, but as a challenge to football administrators, fans, and institutions: women’s football deserves better.
