Two Super Falcons stars, Rasheedat Ajibade and Ashleigh Plumptre, have been named in the Best XI of the Group Stage at the ongoing CAF TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 in Morocco.
The announcement was made by the tournament’s Technical Study Group (TSG) following a thrilling group phase that witnessed 45 goals scored across 18 matches.
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The lineup, set in a classic 4-3-3 formation, features standout performers who have impressed with their individual brilliance and tactical discipline.
Attacking Trident Dominated by Zambia, Senegal
Zambia’s captain Barbra Banda leads the attacking line after netting three goals with her trademark power and clinical finishing. She is joined by compatriot Racheal Kundananji, who lit up the left wing with blistering pace and also scored three times.
Nguenar Ndiaye of Senegal completes the trio, delivering four goals and technical flair that saw her finish as joint-top scorer of the group phase.
Ajibade Shines in Midfield
Super Falcons midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade was recognized for her influential displays, combining technical finesse with dynamic forward runs that connected Nigeria’s midfield and attack seamlessly.
Joining her in the engine room are Ghizlane Chebbak of hosts Morocco—named Best Player of the Group Stage—and South Africa’s Refiloe Jane, whose composure and distribution anchored Banyana Banyana’s midfield dominance.
Plumptre Anchors Solid Defense
Ashleigh Plumptre earned her spot at left-back after a series of calm, composed performances that solidified Nigeria’s backline.
She is joined by South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane and Zambia’s Lushomo Mweemba in central defense, while South Africa’s Fikile Magama rounds out the defense on the right.
The defensive quartet combined tactical awareness with forward thrust, forming a resilient unit that impressed throughout the group stage.
N’Gazi Stands Tall in Goal
Chloé N’Gazi of Algeria was named Best Goalkeeper of the Group Stage, keeping three clean sheets and helping her country secure a historic first-ever quarter-final berth at WAFCON.
CAF Best XI – WAFCON 2024 Group Stage (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Chloé N’Gazi (Algeria)
Defenders: Ashleigh Plumptre (Nigeria), Bambanani Mbane (South Africa), Lushomo Mweemba (Zambia), Fikile Magama (South Africa)
Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria), Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco), Refiloe Jane (South Africa)
Forwards: Racheal Kundananji (Zambia), Barbra Banda (Zambia), Nguenar Ndiaye (Senegal)
Dr. Desiree Ellis Named Best Coach
South Africa’s head coach, Dr. Desiree Ellis, was honored as Best Coach of the Group Stage. Under her guidance, South Africa remained unbeaten, topping their group with seven goals scored and only one conceded.
The reigning champions impressed with their balance, tactical structure, and collective determination—hallmarks of Ellis’ coaching philosophy that earned her plaudits from CAF’s technical panel.
