FOOTBALL - The African Mirror

Jul

15

2025

Hearts of Lions: Four nations exit WAFCON 2025 with honour intact

WAFCON

THE quarterfinal gates of the 2025 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations have closed on four dreams, but not before the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tunisia, Tanzania, and Botswana wrote their names in tournament folklore with performances that transcended mere results. In Casablanca's sweltering heat on July 14, Botswana's Mares experienced the beautiful agony of football's cruel arithmetic. Their 2-1 victory over Tunisia should have been a celebration - a testament to their fighting spirit as they clawed back from a halftime deficit with the kind of resilience that defines champions. Instead, it became a lesson in how dreams can…

Jul

15

2025

By Jovial Rantao

WAFCON2025: Champions assert dominance as knockout stage takes shape

WAFCON

THE defending champions sent a thunderous message to the rest of the continent as South Africa demolished Mali 4-0 in a masterclass performance that sealed their place atop Group C and announced their serious intent to retain the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations crown. Banyana Banyana were ruthless from the opening whistle, with Lebohang Ramalepe striking a psychological blow just five minutes in. The forward's composed right-footed finish into the top right corner immediately established South Africa's dominance and left Mali's defence scrambling for answers that would never come. The champions' clinical edge was on full display when…

Jul

15

2025

By The African Mirror

SA: Orlando Pirates sensation Mohau Nkota seals historic R52 million Saudi Pro League move

FOOTBALL

A 20-year-old striker has become the youngest South African to secure mega-money transfer to Al-Ettifaq in landmark three-year deal Orlando Pirates sent shockwaves through South African football on Sunday with the confirmation of their rising star Mohau Nkota's blockbuster transfer to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ettifaq, in a deal worth approximately R52 million that rewrites the record books for South African football. The 20-year-old sensation, who took local football by storm in his debut professional season, has secured a historic three-year contract with the Saudi Arabian powerhouse, where he will line up alongside European heavyweights Georginio Wijnaldum and Moussa Dembélé.…

Jul

14

2025

By The African Mirror

WAFCON2025: STUNNING UPSET! Botswana breaks hearts in Casablanca with last-gasp victory

WAFCON

IN one of the most dramatic finishes in recent WAFCON history, Botswana delivered a crushing blow to host nation Morocco with a heart-stopping 2-1 victory that will be remembered for years to come at the Stade Père Jégo on Sunday. The Southern African minnows, written off by many before the tournament began, saved their best for last with an injury-time thunderbolt that left the passionate Moroccan crowd stunned into silence and sent the small but vocal Botswana contingent into absolute delirium. Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse will wake up Monday morning as a national hero after her 95th-minute winner capped off one of…

Jul

12

2025

By Jovial Rantao

Tanzania stun defending champions in WAFCON thriller as Group C hangs in balance

WAFCON

TANZANIA delivered a stunning performance to hold defending champions South Africa to a dramatic 1-1 draw in the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, throwing Group C wide open with just one round of fixtures remaining. The result leaves South Africa and Mali deadlocked on four points each at the top of the group, while Tanzania and Ghana remain tied on one point apiece in a group where any of the four teams could still advance to the quarterfinals. Tanzania shocked Banyana Banyana in the 24th minute when Opah Clement rose unmarked to power home a header from close…

Jul

12

2025

By The African Mirror

Nigeria into quarter-finals as Ihezuo sinks battling Botswana

WAFCON

A late goal from Chinwendu Ihezuo was enough to secure Nigeria’s place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as the Super Falcons edged past a spirited Botswana side 1-0 in Casablanca. In a tightly contested encounter at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, Ihezuo’s composed 89th-minute finish finally broke the resistance of the Mares, who had frustrated the nine-time champions for much of the game with a disciplined defensive display and outstanding goalkeeping from captain Sedilame Boseja. Nigeria, who had thumped Tunisia 3-0 in their opener, were made to work far harder by a Botswana…

Jul

10

2025

By Jovial Rantao

WAFCON 2024: Thrilling night of drama as Zambia, Morocco secure crucial victories

WAFCON

IN a night that will be remembered for its breathtaking action and nerve-shredding drama, Zambia's Copper Queens delivered a masterclass in resilience, overcoming a spirited Senegal side 3-2 in what may prove to be the defining match of their TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations campaign. Fresh from their frustrating 2-2 draw with hosts Morocco, Zambia arrived at the stadium with desperation etched across their faces - and it showed in every tackle, every sprint, and every moment of magic that followed. But it was Senegal who drew first blood, stunning the title contenders with a lightning-quick opener that…

Jul

09

2025

By BONFACE ORUCHO, BIRD STORY AGENCY

WAFCON 2025 marks a new era for women’s football

WAFCON

A new trophy, record crowds, increased prize money, and historic investment for Women’s AFCON in Morocco, which kicked off on Saturday, 5 July, reflect a change happening in African women’s football. Delayed by a year, marred by funding gaps, and clouded by persistent pay disputes, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has long trailed its male counterpart in support and scale. This year’s edition, however, is not just a top-tier competition but a milestone for recognition. According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), this year’s tournament features a 45% increase in total prize money. The winners will receive…

Jul

08

2025

By The African Mirror

Champions Rise: South Africa’s Quest for 2nd WAFCON Glory Begins with a win over Ghana

WAFCON

UNDER the blazing Moroccan sun, where the Atlas Mountains cast their ancient shadows over the passionate crowds of Oujda, defending champions South Africa announced their arrival at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations with the authority of true champions. Their mission? To etch their names in history alongside Nigeria as the only nation to successfully defend the continental crown. Banyana Banyana's 2-0 triumph over Ghana in their Group C opener wasn't just a victory – it was a statement of intent that reverberated through the expanded 12-team tournament like thunder across the desert. From the first whistle,…

Jul

05

2025

By The African Mirror

United in grief for Diogo, Andre Silva: Football’s heartbreak in a quaint Portuguese village

FOOTBALL

IN the serene heart of Gondomar, a quaint Portuguese village nestled amid rolling hills and ancient olive groves, a profound silence fell over the cobbled streets. The village bore witness to a farewell unlike any other — a sombre tribute to two brothers, Diogo Jota and André Silva, whose lives were tragically cut short in a horrific accident. The world of football, from Portugal to England and beyond, united in grief, draping themselves in black to honour these sons of the beautiful game. The morning sun cast gentle light over the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, its centuries-old stone walls standing…