₦airaland Forum

https://www.tropheesunfp.com/#anchor_trophy_1




Superfalcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie nominated for the Goalkeeper of the Year in the French Women Football League

Please Click on the link and vote for her �

Just watch this goal by Vicky Lopez
Nobody goes close...
The Future Woman Messi........
She possess so much qualities of Legendary Brazil Marta Viera da Silva...


https://instagram.com/stories/vickyylopezz._/2830249574747979078?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

Super Falcons captain is clubless and we are a few weeks to AWCON, but the media and fans are calm. Super Eagles have the largest media and fans' attention. Other national teams and League football doesn't matter.

The Nigeria Women Football League has something under their sleeves for women’s football which they will unveil tomorrow.

So, ladies and gentlemen, keep your eyes wide open and ears on the ground for it. ��

#TheBigReveal #EmpoweringOurGame #WomensFootball

South Africa’s Desiree Ellis anticipates difficult Nigeria opener
Nigeria South Africa ABC 5
South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis is anticipating a difficult group stage contest when her side square off against Nigeria in the 2022 TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations opening encounter in Rabat later in July.
The seven-time COSAFA Champions were drawn against the nine-time African champions in the group stage for the fifth time at the draw held in Rabat on Friday, with first time qualifiers Burundi and Botswana joining them in Group C.

In 2018, Banyana Banyana met Nigeria in the group stage, breaking their four-game winless group stage jinx with a 1-0 triumph in Cape Coast but later lost 4-3 on penalties to the West Africans in the final following a 0-0 draw in Accra.

""We will need a huge effort to get a positive result. The first game is the most important of any tournament and getting a positive result is very important but we know that it’s not going to be an easy game. Actually, it’s going to be a very difficult game.
Desiree Ellis on South Africa's opening match against Nigeria.""

Although, the South Africans revenged their 2018 title loss at the Aisha Buhari Cup, where they defeated the Super Falcons 4-2 to lift the crown, Ellis insists the upcoming group stage meeting will be a 'very difficult game'.

"Well we always knew the draw was not going to be easy. Nigeria, the defending champions and multiple winners always bring their A game and know what it takes to win," Ellis told CAFOnline.com.

"We have played them a few times in the group stages. They have raised their levels and we have to raise our levels even higher to get a positive result. The first game is the most important game and once again we need a positive result but it will take a huge effort.

"Anything that has come before is history but it has shown us what we are capable of and has given us confidence and belief. As I said earlier we have played them many times in the group stages and this will be no different especially with this being an opening group match which is similar to 2018.

"We will need a huge effort to get a positive result. The first game is the most important of any tournament and getting a positive result is very important but we know that it’s not going to be an easy game. Actually, it’s going to be a very difficult game."

Besides Nigeria, the four-time WAFCON finalists will also battle debutants and COSAFA rivals Botswana, who ruined their Tokyo 2020 dream but Ellis insists her side will not be seeking any revenge against the Mares.

Botswana from our COSAFA region and another debutants who we know a lot about, having played each other so many times," the two-time CAF Women's Coach of the Year remarked.

"We have not lost to them in 90 minutes in 10 meetings but we must not forget the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Qualifier where we failed to score in both matches and lost on a penalty shootout.

"We have already played them a few times after they cut short our quest to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and have gotten good results. It’s never about revenge as it’s a totally different competition and game.

"It's just about the next game and or next competition. We know a lot of each other and the games have been very tight and I expect this one to be no different."

On Burundi, the former South Africa international admitted knowledge of the East Africans and has stated that she is looking forward to a good first ever tie.

"Burundi are one of the debutants but they not here by chance. We have not played them before but have seen them during the qualifiers and will have an opportunity during the tournament to see more of them as well," she noted.

In April, South Africa started their preparations with a high-profile friendly reigning European champions the Netherlands at The Hague, where they were thrashed 5-1 but Ellis took away some positive lessons from the humiliation.
"It was important that we test ourselves both mentally and physically and more so when our Hollywood Bets Super league had not started yet," she revealed.

We were duly tested and at this level the small margins matters. We could have been on equal times but we missed a penalty and a one-on-one chance almost immediately after that. It showed during the game there we were just not there yet but we improved in the second half.

"It was expected that we would be tire later in the game. There is nothing that beats match fitness and it was evident in certain moments but we will get better with players getting more and more game time."

In 2018, Ellis was named the substantive head coach guiding Banyana Banyana to their fourth WAFCON final and the Women's World Cup for the first time.

This time, the 59-year-old tactician will set her sights on breaking the African title jinx and also guarantee a second consecutive Women's World Cup berth.

"I have been there as a player and now as a coach and every time it’s very special. Confidence and belief are very important for us to reach our objectives," she admitted.

"This is what we as group worked towards and we are one of 12 out of a record of 44 entries and we are truly blessed to have qualified again.

"We have to bring our best to every game and if we don’t, then we won’t get the results and could be on your way home.

"Get a good start and take it game by game as you don’t want to lose focus of the task at hand. Our main target is to qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup."
South Africa will begin title bid against Nigeria on July 4 at Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat and take on Burundi three days later. They will go on end their group phase against COSAFA rivals Botswana on July 10.

India 2022: Bankole Olowookere speaks on tough win against Egypt
1st May 2022

Coach of the Nigerian Under 17 (U-17) girls who doubled as the coach of Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership side, Naija Ratels, Bankole Olowookere after his side’s 0-2 win over Egypt which all but sealed a 0-6 aggregate passage into the final round (Fourth Round) of India 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

“It was a bit tough for us due to the home support and the weather was a bit harsh than our expectations. It’s okay as the girls gave their best and earned a good result.

“The Egyptians have their pattern of play (style of play) and decided to come hard on us. We tried to avoid injuries and keep it calm with them in retrieving balls from them.” Said Bankole Olowookere after the game.

Goals from Opeyemi Ajakaye in the fifth minute and Amina Bello in the 14th minute sealed a 0-2 win for the young Nigerian side.

The team will face either South Africa or Ethiopia in the final round.

“We just need to seat and get in-depth knowledge about our next opponents like our previous matches and map out our strategies on them. The main aim is for us to qualify for the World Cup and we will surely do that by the grace of God.” He concluded.

Nigeria has only missed the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup once since the inception of the tournament.

This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will hold in India, from 11th – 30th October.

Randy Waldrum: Nigeria will be prepared to win
Nigeria Women - ABC
Randy Waldrum says Nigeria will be 'prepared to win' all its group stage matches at the upcoming TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

The draw for the 2022 WAFCON group stage took place in Rabat on Friday night, with the Super Falcons renewing their rivalry with South Africa, having been drawn together in Group C alongside Botswana and Burundi.

The Nigerians suffered a 1-0 defeat to Banyana Banyana at the group stage but bounce back to win the WAFCON for the ninth time in their history in 2018.

Despite bowing to South Africa in the Aisha Buhari Cup final last September, Waldrum will hope his side can go all the way again this time around, and he is looking forward to coming up against three teams with very distinctive qualities.

"Draws are always interesting and unpredictable. So we will focus on preparing for them all," Waldrum told CAFOnline.com after the draw.

"With this particular draw, our approach will be that of respecting our opponents and understanding that any opponent can win if we aren’t prepared to play."

WAFCON Groups
The defending champions subdued West African giants Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire 2-1 and 3-0 on aggregate respectively to qualify for the finals and keep alive their dream of a record 10th and fourth consecutive African crown.

While showing empathy to the Ghanaians and Ivorians, the American tactican admitted the qualification dates with the two teams offered good preparation for team ahead of the new 12-nation continental showpiece.

"It was unfortunate the way teams were matched up prior to WAFCON. Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire both are worthy of being in the World Cup. Seems to me, CAF would want it’s best teams representing Africa," the 64-year-old sympathised.

"Having said that, those games certainly helps our players in knowing what we are capable of, and re-emphasizing the strength of our team and the possibilities ahead."
The nine-time African champions began their preparations with a doubleheader against reigning Olympic winners Canada in April, with the Falcons suffering a 2-0 first leg loss before twice surrending the lead to draw 2-2 in the second tie.

Waldrum's side is looking a different set up from the team that lost to South Africa at the 2021 ABC tournament but he will be eager to face the 2018 finalists as he knows his side will enter the opening tie with a point to prove.

"We respect South Africa but we also know the situation the last time we played them." said the former Trinidad and Tobago coach.

"We will be ready and prepared to win just as we will be with all the teams in our group. Playing teams like the Olympic gold medalists Canada and playing well shows us the heights we are capable of achieving.

"We must remain focused and continue improving in some areas in order to become a world power which we are capable of achieving."

The first priority is obviously to qualify for the FIFA Women's World Cup. That has always been the objective for us.
Randy Waldrum
Nigeria won the a third in a row and record ninth title in Ghana 2018 and Waldrum will aim to guide the country to another title and a ninth berth to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

"The first priority is obviously to qualify for the FIFA Women's World Cup. That has always been the objective for us." he added.

"This means we must have success in the group stage. We always want and expect to win whenever we step on the field, so our goal also will be to win the women's AFCON."

Nigeria will open their campaign against South Africa on July 4 at Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat and take on Botswana three days later. They will then wrap up the group phase against debutants Burundi on July 10.

The Battle Line have been drawn....

Maclean's Chinonyerem continue her fine goal scoring form in the Polish Women Football League..

1 goal for her today

Full Time
UEFA Women's Champions League
It's Barcelona Femenino vs Olympic Lyon

HT' in Cairo| Our Flamingos head into the tunnel with two-goal lead at half time at Petrosport Stadium

Egypt �� 0:2 Nigeria �� (0-6)

Opeyemi Ajakaye 5'
Amina Bello 14'

�14' GOOOOAL! in Cairo| Amina Bello doubles the Flamingos lead from Oluwatuminininu Adeshina's well taken corner

Egypt �� 0:2 Nigeria �� (0-6)

#SoarFlamingos
#Team9jaStrong
#EGYNGA @thenff

mostob:
Really? I'm talking about Ashleigh,Alozie,Ify,Esther...
Never knew they already featured against those teams you mentioned

Didn't you watch the AWCON qualifying game against CIV?

Alozie was a major culprit at the Aisha Buhari Cup last year but she came back stronger...

They all plays in top league such as the WSL, NSWL, French League which is very Physically challenging too...

Note; Esther Okoronkwo is a very stubborn Player so exclude her from this your taught.. if you watch their league games against Lyon this season you would see how she gave tough defenders like Wendie Renard and Buchanan problems..

isan:
Schemerkhiz and deltamani do you guys know if we are playing any more friendlies before AWCON ?

For sure 100%...

mostob:
I second this.... Either Morocco or Tunisia.... We can play another physical team like Cameroon to properly induct the newbies to the era of gidigbo football

The ones you're calling Newbies have already tasted the Physical aspect of the African game of recent against Mali, Ghana, Cote D'Ivoire except few, Maybe one or two games against an African side that Play with a lot of power and pace eg The Congolese, Central Africa Republic, Zambia and Senegal side can pose those physical threat but will go down for sure..

AkinDS:
Foreign coach or no, we are (and have always been) a possession team. The pace of the African game is traditionally slower (go watch games through 2016, like you rightly mentioned.
However, when you play quicker teams like the US, Canada, France, etc., they can make you look like you are not a possession team and get you to turn over the ball.
Waldrum has been working on our transition play - getting to move the ball up front quicker. Our ladies will get there soon - not worried at all about this.

The pace of the African game can be slow but the Superfalcons strength has been Pace and Power and Excellent possession based football against the African side...

Only the U20 and U17 that we mostly dominate all aspects of the game..

lovewins:
Wolfsburg 2 Barcelona 0. 86th minute

Wolfsburg really came to play today

First loss for Barca after 48games played... Asisat Oshoala had to do some more defending unlike the usual attacking..

Very disappointing performance by Barça women team. They played with over confidence just like Barça men team used to play after leading in the first leg. This is not a good sign at all. Please never play with over confidence�

DSTV CHANNEL 209

Catch up with the AWCON draw live on YouTube...
9:30pm



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSab1Nzl6-Y

Sabi Midfielder

marvin906:
One of their players is in Gotham Estelle I think

Yeah, She's a good Center Back too. She hasn't been given a call up of recent but hopefully for the tournament proper Cameroon will invite all their best legs..

FIFA U20 Women's World Cup Draw May 5


Look the photo below for the various pots..

carbonado:
.....i do not understand, is this per season?

Their Currently Market value this season

What to know about the Ladies Sparrowhawks of Togo
wafcon-teams3
Teams Profile: Togo

Nickname: The Ladies Sparrowhawks

FIFA RANKING: 115

HOW THEY QUALIFIED:The Ladies Sparrowhawks eased past Sao Tome and Principe thanks to a resounding 5-0 first leg triumph before the Island nation withdrawal. The Togolese went on to overcome Gabon in the second round, beginning a 2-1 first leg win in Lome before repeating the same feat in Libreville to earn their maiden ticket.

First Round - Sao Tome and Principe 0-5 Togo (Withdrew second leg)

Second Round - Togo 2-1 Gabon (2-1)

PREPARATIONS:After a botched friendly with Tunisia, the Togolese concluded the first phase of a two-week local preparations on April 24. The next phase will feature the foreign based stars and will be held in a yet-to-be decided North African nation.

Kaï Tomety
COACH: Kai Tomety

The former international turned coach has been overseeing the growth of the women's team in the past decade. After several failed attempts, Tomety has justified the confidence reposed in her, guiding the team to a first ever WAFCON and will now be anxious to upset all odds in Morocco.

KEY PLAYERS:

Togo Players
Nathalie Badate

The Togolese captain has remained a shining light for the team with a fifteen years active spell. The Friends of the World star legend was rewarded for her expliots with a professional contract by French club Tarascon FC. The 31-year-old's leadership acumen will come good for the Sparrowhawks on the continent.

Sabine Woedikou

The 27-year-old striker is one of the superstars in the Togolese side following her expliots in France with second tier side Yzeure. The former AJ Auxerre star powered her current side to a historic French Coupe de France final. In the qualifying series, her presence ensured the team's historic qualification and she will certainly be a promising feature for the Sparrowhawks at the finals.

Odette Gnimtegma

The midfielder is making her mark in the Moroccan topflight with Raja Ain Harrouda and her experience playing abroad has improved the ranks of Togo. The 23-year-old's good form was a plus for the Togolese side as she scored four goals during the qualifiers, including the late winner against Gabon in Lome.

What to know about Tunisia's Carthage Eagles
wafcon-teams0
Teams Profile: Tunisia

Nickname: Carthage Eagles

FIFA RANKING: 72

HOW THEY QUALIFIED:

The Carthage Eagles put up a convincing display over two legs to cruise past neighbours Egypt in the first round before they silenced two-time winners Equatorial Guinea to realise their long sought return to the continent since 2008.

First Round - Egypt 2-6 Tunisia (0-1)

Second Round - Tunisia 5-0 Equatorial Guinea (2-3)

PREPARATIONS:

The Tunisians suffered a mere preparation setback in April after their botched two-match friendly with WAFCON finalists Togo. However, they are scheduled to begin final build up in June when most players abroad are back home.

COACH: Samir Landolsi

Landolsi was behind the Cartharge Eagles' qualification to their maiden tournament in 2008. And the former UAE handler, who is on his fourth stint in charge since his return in 2021, has achieved a similar feat and will now be poise to guide them past the group stage for the first time on second attempt.

KEY PLAYERS:

Tunisia Players
Mariem Houij

The 27-year-old striker finished as the joint-topscorer with six goals during the 2022 TotalEnergies WAFCON qualifying series. The Tunisian is the leading topscorer in the Turkish topflight, with 26 goals for ALG Spor. Following her expliots at club and country, she is no doubt one of the top stars to watch

Ella Kaabachi

The France based striker is another experienced leg in the fold of the Tunisian. Kaabachia, who currently plays for French topflight side Soyaux was one of the North Africans' top performers during the qualifiers, scoring three goals. She can be relied upon to inspire the Cartharge Eagles to continental success.

Sabrine Louzi

The 24-year-old forward is on the books of the Netherlands' Eredivisie outfit Excelsior, scoring six goals so far this season. She was outstand during qualifying campaign, scoring thrice and can be looked on to deliver goals in the finals.

What to know about South Africa's Banyana Banyana
wafcon-teams4
Teams Profile: South Africa

Nickname: Banyana Banyana

FIFA RANKING: 57

HOW THEY QUALIFIED:

Banyana Banyana made a perfect start to their journey with a 12-0 aggregate thrashing of COSAFA counterparts Mozambique in October. Five months later, they edged North African side Algeria 3-1 on aggregate to nick their 12th qualification ticket.

First Round: Mozambique 0-7 South Africa (0-5)

Second Round: South Africa 2-0 Algeria (1-1)

PREPARATIONS:

The four-time runners-up began preparation for the finals, with a friendly against the Netherlands in April. Despite losing 5-1 to the European champions, they exposed some domestic players and will converge again in June for the finals

Desiree Ellis coach of South Africa
COACH: Desiree Ellis

The 59-year-old made history in 2018 when she guided Banyana Banyana to their fourth WAFCON final and the Women's World Cup for the first time. The two-time CAF Women's Coach of the Year will set her sights on breaking the African title jinx, after beating Nigeria to win the 2021 Aisah Buhari Cup.

KEY PLAYERS

South Africa Players
Janine Van Wyk

The 35-year-old is the most capped South Africa player, with over 170 appearances with the country. She is back as a player-coach at her owned club JVW FC, having left Scottish side Glasgow City. With two silvers in six WAFCONs, Van Wyk will now aim to provide the much-needed leadership to win the first title on her seventh appearance.

Thembi Kgatlana

The 25-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough tournament at the Ghana 2018 TotalEnergies WAFCON where she won the Player of the Tournament and Topscorer awards. The 2018 African Women's Player of the Year also made history as she scored Banyana Banyana's first goal at the Women's World Cup. The Atletico Madrid striker will aim to replicate her 2018 form in Banyana's maiden African crown hunt.

Jermaine Seoposenwe

Seoposenwe is one of Banyana Banyana's best performers abroad following her exploits with Sporting Braga this season. The 28-year-old has been influential in Braga's Portuguese Women's League Cup triumph and Women's Cup semifinal finish, scoring eight goals and providing five assists. Despite her three-year absence from Banyana's fold, her superb puts her in good stead to inspire the COSAFA giants.

What to know about Zambia's Copper Queens
wafcon-teams1
Teams Profile: Zambia

Nickname: Copper Queens

FIFA RANKING: 103

HOW THEY QUALIFIED:

Zambia squeezed past COSAFA rivals Malawi 4-3 on aggregate to reach the second round stage. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic campaigners went on to edge another COSAFA neighbour Namibia on away goals rule to clinch their second consecutive and third qualification ticket after a 1-1 draw on aggregate.

First Round: Malawi 1-1 Zambia (2-3)

Second Round: Zambia 0-0 Namibia (1-1)

PREPARATIONS:

The 2018 WAFCON semi finalists commenced preparation with a local camp two weeks ago, with local friendly between an All Stars and the Rest ending in a barren draw. They have regroup again for a two-match series against WAFCON debutants and neighbours, Botswana on April 29 and May 2.

Bruce Mwape Zambia Women coach
COACH: Bruce Mwape

After 2014 debut, the Copper Queens made a return to continent football under the watch of Mwape in 2018 and a year later, he led them to a first ever COSAFA Women's Cup final. In 2020, he guided the team to a maiden Olympic qualification and now is hoping to surpass his 2018 semifinals feat in a bid to make another history, clinching a first ever Women's World Cup ticket.

KEY PLAYERS:

Zambia Players
Barbra Banda

Banda won the Chinese Women's Super League topscorer with 18 goals for Shanghai Shengli on her first season in 2020. Earlier, she inspired Zambia to a first ever Olympic qualification, upsetting Cameroon. A year later, she made indelible marks at the Tokyo Olympics, where she became first female player in Olympics history to score back-to-back hat tricks and the first to score two hat tricks in one tournament.

Grace Chanda
The attacking midfielder finished as topscorer in the African qualifiers for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, scoring eight goals. A year later, she scooped the FAZ Women's National League Best Player of the Season Award and the Top Scorer of the Year Award, scoring 35 goals in 26 games. In February, her exploits earned her professional contract with Kazakhstan champions BIIK Kazykurt, where she has made an instant mark, winning the Women's Cup.

Hazel Nali

The former Green Buffaloes shot stopper is making a mark in Europe since her move abroad in 2020. The Zambia first choice goalkeeper enjoyed a fine season at Hapoel Be'er Sheva in Israel last season and is currently on the books of Turkish side Fatih Vatanspor, where she has kept at least four clean sheets this season. Her good form and experience playing in Europe will be a huge benefits to Zambia at the women's championship

What to know about the Swallows of Burundi
wafcon-teams7
Teams Profile: Burundi

Nickname: Swallows

FIFA RANKING: NR

HOW THEY QUALIFIED:

The Swallows started their incredible journey to the continent, with a 6-0 first round thrashing of Eritrea on aggregate last October. They followed up their fine start with a convincing second round 11-1 bashing of Djibouti to ean a maiden ticket.

First Round: Eritrea 0-5 Burundi (0-1)

Second Round: Burundi 6-1 Djibouti (5-0)

Gustave Niyonkuru
COACH: Gustave Niyonkuru

Niyonkuru has been overseeing the transition of women's players, from the U20s to the senior level since 2019. Having guided the team to a historic WAFCON berth, his next task will be leading the nation to a maiden success.

KEY PLAYERS:

Burundi Players
Joelle Bukuru

The midfielder starred for Swallows at the 2019 CECAFA Senior Women's Challenge Cup, where they finished fourth. The 23-year-old, who curently championing Simba's title hunt in Tanzania, will be one of the Burundians to keep an eye out for at the 12-nation event.

Rukiya Bizimana

The Etoile Du Matin forward was a huge bargain during the qualifying series, notably scoring four goals in two-legged triumphs over Djibouti in February. Her scoring expliots will offer huge prospect for debutant East African nation.

What to know about Uganda's Crested Cranes
wafcon-teams2
Teams Profile: Uganda

Nickname: Crested Cranes

FIFA RANKING: 157

HOW THEY QUALIFIED:

The Crested Cranes began their journey against their CECAFA rival Ethiopia in the qualification tournament. The Ugandans survived a first-round scare, beating Ethiopia on penalties in Bahir Dar after they had their first leg 2-0 lead canceled in the second leg six days later. In the second round, they confirmed their return to the continent after 22 years of absence after receiving a walkover through Kenya's withdrawal.

First Round - Uganda 2-0 Ethiopia (0-2) (2-1 APK)

Second Round - Uganda 3-0 Kenya (Withdrawal)

PREPARATIONS:

The Cranes are scheduled to announce their provisional squad and begin camping activities for the finals on May 2, 2022. With the FUFA Women's Super League in progress, coach George Lutalo will be monitoring the top performers in the top-flight season as they gear up for the women's showpiece.

George Lutalo
COACH: George Lutalo

Lutalo, who handles Uganda Premier League side Onduparaka replaced erstwhile tactician Faridah Bulega as the head coach of the Crested Cranes in September 2021. He began his reign at the 2021 Cosafa Women's Cup, where they narrowed missed a semi-final spot despite finishing Group C runners-up. A few weeks later, he guided them past neighbours, Ethiopia in the first round before sealing the ticket thanks to the withdrawal of Kenya. The former Tooro United coach is now saddle with the task of supervising the Cranes' glory hunt in Morocco.

KEY PLAYERS

Uganda Players
Ruth Aturo

The former Kawempe Muslim FC and UCU Lady Cardinals goalkeeper have seen her domestic exploits earn her a maiden professional deal with the Finnish side FC KTP Kotka in March.

The 26-year-old, who won four league titles and the country's best goalkeeper prize twice will bring her leadership qualities and good form to bear for the Crested Cranes on the continent.

Fauzia Najjemba

The former Kampala Queens FC joined Kazakhstan champions BIIK Kazygurt, where she instantly hit the ground running, winning the Kazakhstan Women’s Cup in April. The 18-year-old, who won 2021 FUFA Female Player of the Year scored the winner in the first round home triumph over Ethiopia and is one of the youngsters to be relied upon by George Lutalo's side.

Nambi Viola

The 26-year-old joined earlier this year Austrian side FC Dornbirn Ladies. Viola, who previously played in Sweden's Vaxjo DFF, is well known for her speed, skills and clinical display in the front of goal. The 2012 FIFA Women's Super League champion with St Mary’s Kitende will be a huge addition to Lutalo's set-up in the competition

Teams Profile: Botswana

Nickname: The Mares

FIFA RANKING: 154

HOW THEY QUALIFIED:

The Mares brushed aside COSAFA rivals Angola 7-1 on aggregate in the first round before clinching their maiden qualification on away goals rule after a 3-3 aggregate score against Zimbabwe.

PREPARATIONS:

Botswana have began preparation domestically for the WAFCON finals, having held their one of their series of camps from April 2 to 14. The 2020 COSAFA finalists are relying mostly on domestic players, especially from Double Action to excel at the continent showpiece.

Gaoletlhoo Nkutlwisang
COACH: Gaoletlhoo Nkutlwisang

The former Double Action captain has long been supervising the remodeling of the Mares as coach and validated her credentials with the team's historic qualification to the WAFCON finals, where she will hope to make another mark.

KEY PLAYERS:

Botswana Players
Lesego Radiakanyo

The Double Action midfielder played a crucial role in the team's qualification campaign, scoring four goals in four matches. The 22-year-old is clearly one to keep an eye out for when the Mares take to the continent in July.
Thuto Ramafifi

The 30-year-old, fondly called Queen of Goals, scored the winner at home when the Mares pipped Angola 2-0. The former Double Action and New Endeavours striker, who is on a scholarship in the US, will be poised to bring her exposure and experience to bear at the WAFCON finals.

Refilwe Tholakele

The Mares striker has consistently provided a good leadership in almost a decade and being a huge bargain in the attack. The 26-year-old, also made her mark during the qualifiers, scoring three goals in four matches and her presence will be a valuable asset for Botswana in Morocco.

What to know about Cameroon's Indomitable Lionesses
wafcon-teams9
Teams Profile: Cameroon

Nickname: Indomitable Lionesses

FIFA RANKING: 52

HOW THEY QUALIFIED:

The Indomitable Lionesses subdued zonal neighbours Central African Republic 3-0 on aggregate in the first round last October. They went on the cruise past the Gambia 10-1 on aggregate to ensure their perfect qualification feat.

First Round: Central African Republic 0-1 Cameroon (0-2)

Second Round: Cameroon 8-0 Gambia (2-1)

PREPARATIONS: The Indomitable Lionesses are expected to embark on a closed camp abroad, with Spain one of the possible countries as they bid to win their first African title.

Gabriel Zabo - ABC
COACH: Gabriel Zabo

The former Stade Renard and Avion Academy handler took over from Alain Djeumfa in 2021. Having qualified the 2016 WAFCON hosts to a 12th finals, he atoned for the Lionesses' poor outing at the Aisha Buhari Cup on his first task and will now seek to guide them to a maiden continental glory in July.

KEY PLAYERS:

Cameroon Players
Gabrielle Aboudi Onguene

She is considered one of the best Africans in Europe. The CSKA Moscow striker celebrated her 100th appearance for the Russian giants this season and her experience will be handy for the Lionesses. As team captain, Onguene will have to lead her teammates to the much-desired success.The 2016 WAFCON best player, is the one who scored the winner in Cameroon's 2-1 win in the Gambia to confirm their 12th ticket.

Ajara Nchout Njoya

The 29-year-old Inter Milan striker has regained her scoring boots since arriving in Italy last October, scoring seven goals so far this season. The 2019 African Women's Player of the Year runners-up, who scored twice in the qualifiers will be eager to power her nation to the title. Ajara is one of the top players in the squad especially after her prowess at the 2019 FIFA World Cup where her lavish goal against New Zealand qualified the country for the knockout stages.

Falone Meffometou Tcheno

Falone, 31, is a safe bet for Cameroon. The defender who joined the national team in 2011 took part in major football events with Indomitable Lionesses. In 2016, she was part of Cameroon team runners up in their home soil, and bronze medalists in 2018 in Ghana. The FC Fleury 91 player in France will once again want to show the palette of her talent and why not raise Cameroon to the roof of Africa?