Ghizlane Chebbak, Nguenar Ndiaye and Barbra Banda Lead the Way
Named Best Player and Top Scorer with three goals at the previous edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Ghizlane Chebbak is once again living up to her billing. With four goals in just two matches, the captain of the Atlas Lionesses currently sits atop the scorers’ chart of this 13th edition. The Moroccan No. 7 has been remarkably clinical, netting four of her team’s six goals since the start of the tournament.
Alongside Chebbak, Nguenar Ndiaye has emerged as a serious contender, also registering four goals. The Senegalese striker has made her mark with two braces—first against DR Congo, then against Zambia.
Barbra Banda has also kicked off her campaign in style. Zambia’s star forward scored the tournament’s opening goal and followed up with two more against Senegal, placing her temporarily in third place among the top scorers.
Kundananji and Diop Close Behind
Racheal Kundananji and Mama Diop are also in close pursuit, with two goals each. Kundananji, known for her explosive pace and power, found the net in Zambia’s crucial win over DR Congo and again in a tightly contested match against Senegal.
Diop, on the other hand, has been a constant threat in the Senegalese attack, using her aerial prowess and sharp movement in the box to convert key chances. Both strikers remain in the running for the Golden Boot as the group stage nears its conclusion.
Regulars at major events
Chebbak, Ndiaye, and South Africa’s Jermaine Seoposenwe are no strangers to the limelight. All three had already made their mark in the opening round of the previous edition of the WAFCON, also held in Morocco. Chebbak secured Morocco’s victory against Burkina Faso (1-0) with a cool goal. Ndiaye opened her scoring against Uganda (2-0) with a masterful performance. As for Seoposenwe, she struck a powerful opening goal against the then defending champions Nigeria, contributing to Banyana Banyana’s historic 2-1 victory, which would later secure their first continental title. Their current performances are, therefore, no surprise: they are players well-versed in the demands of this level of competition, capable of carrying their teams forward in key moments.
Experience makes the difference
A clear trend is emerging at the start of the tournament: 30-somethings are leading the way. Chebbak (34 years old), Ndiaye (30 years old) and Diop (30 years old) stand out in this ranking of scorers, illustrating the value of experience in major events. Alongside them, Nigeria’s six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala (30 years old) and Ghoutia Karchouni of Algeria (30 years old) also found the back of the net in their first game at this WAFCON 2024.
Source: CAFONLINE.COM
