Top 5 lessons we learned from the Wafcon 2024

Every edition of Wafcon pulses with history in the making and the 2025 tournament held in Morocco gave us exactly that: drama, redemption, heartbreak, and unmistakable signs of continental evolution. 

Here are the five tales that stood out stood out:

Nigeria: Still the bluebloods of the game

When Nigeria plays, it's a storm dressed in confidence. Falling 0–2 behind in Rabat, they clawed back to win 3–2 in one of the most dramatic finals in tournament history. Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini found the net, each goal more defiant than the last.

Their 10th Wafcon title in 13 editions isn’t just dominance, it’s dynastic.

• Final match stats: 55 per cent possession, 14 shots (5 on target), 280 completed passes at 69 per cent accuracy
• Defensive masterclass: Only three goals conceded in six matches

Mission X wasn’t just accomplished, it was orchestrated.

Ghana: The Phoenix Has Risen

The Black Queens didn’t sneak into third, they roared in. After a few absent editions, Ghana's return culminated in a tense 4–3 penalty shootout win over South Africa. The equaliser? A thundering header from Alice Kusi. The winner? Nancy Amoh’s ice-cold penalty.

• First Wafcon medal since 2016
• Ghana remains undefeated in all four third-place playoffs they've contested

It wasn’t just redemption, it was rebirth in real time.

South Africa: Between Legacy and Rebuild

Banyana Banyana’s campaign was both a tribute and a transition. With legends like Jermaine Seoposenwe saying farewell and Thembi Kgatlana out due to injury, the team leaned on raw talent and veteran grit.

• Fourth place finish, first time off the podium since 2016
• Keeper Andile Dlamini made two penalty saves vs Senegal, but scored an own goal against Ghana
• Scoring spread: seven different players found the net, a testament to evolving identity

This was not a fall, it was recalibration in motion.

Zambia: A Lesson in Timing

Zambia parted ways with Bruce Mwape too close to the tournament. Enter Nora Häuptle, talented, but unfamiliar with the heartbeat of the squad. The result? A brutal 5–0 quarterfinal exit at the hands of Nigeria.

• Previously unbeaten in six of their last seven Wafcon matches
• Vs Nigeria: 45 per cent possession, 10 shots (two on target), 12 fouls committed

Momentum once built was shattered. And in elite football, few gambles sting as much as those played too close to kickoff.

Morocco: One Step From Immortality

Losing two finals back-to-back might break some teams. Not Morocco. Under Jorge Vilda, they lost 3–2 to Nigeria in front of 45 000+ fans at home but walked away with their heads high and their future brighter.

• Ghizlane Chebbak: five goals, Golden Boot winner for the second consecutive edition
• Goals in the final: Chebbak (12’), Mssoudy (24’)
• Jorge Vildab, former Spain coach, has now led them to two finals in two years

From tears to triumph, Morocco isn’t knocking on the door, they’re kicking it down.