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African ladies converge in Morocco for Wafcon ‘war’

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Lovers of female football on the African continent will be treated to a spectacular soccer ‘war’ for the next three weeks as the best soccer nations gather in Morocco for the 14th edition of the Women Africa Cup of Nations tagged Wafcon.

The female soccer fiesta which kicked off on Saturday, will see the two Moroccan cities of Rabat and Casablanca play host to the finest female soccer artistry to come out of the continent.

The 12 nations will also battle for the prestigious trophy while aiming to upstage perenial champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria who have won the trophy a record nine times.

The tournament will also be more intense as it doubles as the African qualifiers to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the top four teams at the WAFCON automatically qualifying for the Mundial in Australia and New Zealand, while two more teams will advance into the inter-confederation play-offs to contest for the final three FIFA Women’s World Cup spots.

Super Falcons of Nigeria is the clear favourites to win Wafcon 2022 (Photo Credit: CAF)

The 2022 Wafcon will also be the first time 12 teams will be participating in the tournament with Togo, Burundi, Burkina Faso and Botswana making their debuts.

As usual, Nigeria’s Super Falcons are the clear favourites with its array of stars including Barcelona’s Azeezat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade of Atletico Madrid and free scoring Gift Monday of Bayelsa Queens set to paint Morocco with goals, the quest for a 10th title may not be far fetched.

But they will have their biggest threats in the Bayana Bayana of South Africa, a team that has proven to be one of the best in the continent in recent times.

The two rivals will begin their qufit for the trophy on Monday, July 4, while Nigeria will battle debutants Botswana on Thursday, July 7 and another debutants, Burundi on July 10th.

Morocco celebrating their goal at the Wafcon

Morocco celebrating their goal at the Wafcon (Photo Credit: CAF)

In the opening match played on Saturday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, hosts Morocco defeated a spirited Burkina Faso side 1-0 courtesy of a free kick goal by inspirational captain Ghizlane Chebbak in the 29th minute and held on to run out victorious.

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Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

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Ghana and Leicester City winger, Abdul Fatawu, has been ruled out of the rest of the EPL season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury during Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2025 AFCON match during the international break.

Leicester coach, Steve Cooper, who announced the news on Thursday, said the 20-year-old enterprising player suffered a “serious” knee injury which will see him out for the rest of the season.

“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” Cooper said ahead of his side’s home tie against Chelsea on Saturday.

“He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

“Albeit, it can be quite common in sport and in particular football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn.

“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case,” the gaffer said.

Fatawu has been a key player for the Foxes, helping them gain promotion last season and has played 11 times for them in the league during the present campaign, scoring two goals.

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SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

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South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.

According to South African media, Moripe lit up the country’s football fields in the 1970s and became a rallying point for football in the country, especially in the apartheid era.

“Moripe, who mesmerised opponents and spectators alike during an injury ravaged career, spent his last years confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, and died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 71,” one media report said.

“Moripe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the country has produced by those who saw him play, was called “the god of football”’ by adoring fans during the early 1970s in a nod to his natural talents.

“He was feared by defenders and goalkeepers and his style of play was synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of South African football.

“In recent years Moripe was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a mild stroke that was worsened by the effects of a long-term knee injury that stopped his playing career in the late 1980s.

“Throughout his career, Moripe played for the Orlando Pirates and the Pretoria Callies, winning the respect of both teammates and supporters.

“In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honor of his noteworthy achievements to South African football. Major football games are still held at this stadium, which now stands as a tribute to his legacy.

“Moripe’s career highlights include leading Pretoria Callies to victory against top clubs and earning the 1973 NPSL Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

“He also played internationally for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong and briefly for Orlando Pirates. Persistent knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.”

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