Six stars to watch at Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2024
3 min read
Meet the six stars set to shine at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Six Standout Players to Watch at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
Asisat Oshoala – Nigeria’s Proven Powerhouse Returns for a Sixth Finals
Veteran striker Asisat Oshoala returns to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) for her sixth appearance, bringing a wealth of experience and pedigree to Nigeria’s Super Falcons. The 30-year-old, currently playing for Bay FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), has already left a legacy in African football. A six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Oshoala was a key contributor to Nigeria’s Wafcon triumphs in 2014, 2016, and 2018. She also made waves in Europe by winning two UEFA Women’s Champions League titles with FC Barcelona. Although her goal tally has dipped since moving to the U.S., Oshoala remains a vital attacking force and emotional leader. If Nigeria are to reclaim their crown, her leadership and experience will be essential.
Clara Luvanga – Tanzania’s Rising Star Aiming for Greatness
Tanzania’s 20-year-old forward Clara Luvanga is being closely watched as a rising star with aspirations of becoming Africa’s best. Playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Luvanga has already clinched two league titles and was one of the top scorers in the league last season with 19 goals. Inspired by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané, who both play for Al-Nassr’s men’s side, Luvanga has shown she has the mindset and ambition to shine on the continental stage. Known for her pace, power, and instinctive finishing, she has already scored in Tanzania’s warm-up matches. Defenders will have a tough time containing her as she looks to lead the Twiga Stars to a breakthrough tournament performance.
Sanaa Mssoudy – Morocco’s Magician Hopes to Inspire on Home Soil
Moroccan forward Sanaa Mssoudy has become one of Africa’s most admired attacking talents. The 25-year-old star of AS FAR helped her team to a 12th domestic title and was crowned the best player in the Moroccan top flight last season. She also won Most Valuable Player at the African Women’s Champions League and was named the continent’s top inter-club player. With Wafcon taking place on home soil, expectations are high for Mssoudy to deliver once again. Known for her skillful dribbling and attacking flair, she previously scored in both the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the 2022 Wafcon. This year, she could be the spark Morocco needs to claim their first title.
Jermaine Seoposenwe – South Africa’s Veteran Striker Aiming to Retire on a High
At 31, South African striker Jermaine Seoposenwe brings not only experience but also leadership as Banyana Banyana seek to defend their Wafcon crown. Currently playing for Monterrey in Mexico, Seoposenwe has over 100 international caps and made her debut back in 2010. With star striker Thembi Kgatlana absent due to personal reasons, the pressure is on Seoposenwe to carry the scoring burden. This will be her sixth and final Wafcon, as she has announced her retirement from international football after the tournament. South Africa’s title hopes could rest on her ability to consistently find the net.
Aissata Traore – Mali’s Goal Threat Returns to the Big Stage
After helping Mali qualify for their first Wafcon appearance since 2018, striker Aissata Traore is back and in red-hot form. The 27-year-old was joint-top scorer for Fleury 91 in France’s top division last season with nine goals, as her club narrowly missed out on European qualification. She scored four goals during Mali’s Wafcon qualifiers and forms a lethal partnership with PSG striker Agueicha Diarra. With her European form carrying into international duty, Traore will be key to Mali’s hopes of advancing beyond the group stage this time.
Barbra Banda – Zambia’s Olympic Record-Setter Chasing Wafcon Glory
Zambia’s Barbra Banda is a name that commands attention. The reigning BBC African Women’s Footballer of the Year and Africa’s top Olympic scorer, Banda has an unmatched eye for goal. She netted ten goals across the Tokyo and Paris Olympics and is currently playing for Orlando Pride in the U.S., where she scored the winning goal in the 2024 NWSL Championship final. Banda missed Wafcon 2022 due to a controversial eligibility issue, but now she’s back with something to prove. As the second-most expensive African female footballer in history, Banda has the skill and determination to make this her breakout Wafcon.
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