By Atoyebi Nike
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Technical Study Group has unveiled the Best XI from the group stage of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), currently ongoing in Morocco.
Nigeria’s captain Rasheedat Ajibade and defender Ashleigh Plumptre were named in the elite squad, following their standout performances for the Super Falcons in the tournament’s opening round. The lineup, arranged in a 4-3-3 formation, highlights top talents from the group stage’s 18 matches, which saw a total of 45 goals.
Zambia’s dynamic attacking pair Barbra Banda and Rachel Kundananji lead the forward line, joined by Senegal’s Ndiaye. Players from Morocco and reigning champions South Africa also featured, underlining the continental spread of quality across the teams.
However, there was some surprise at the omission of Nigeria’s striker Chiwendu Ihezuo, who scored twice during the group stage but failed to make the final selection.
South Africa’s Desiree Ellis was named best coach of the group phase after guiding her side to a solid start in the title defense.
With the group phase concluded, attention now shifts to the quarter-finals. Nigeria is set to face Zambia in a high-stakes fixture expected to deliver fireworks on Friday.
