Ihezuo keeps the hope of securing the shoe by coming from the bench to score two goals, the leading Nigerian goal scorer in the competition
As the group stage of the CAF TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 wraps up, the race for the Golden Boot is heating up.
Several standout performers are jostling for top scorer honours heading into the knockout phase.
At the top of the chart, Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak and Senegal’s Nguenar Ndiaye are tied on four goals each. Chebbak, captain of the Atlas Lionesses and Golden Boot winner in the 2022 edition, delivered a blistering start to this year’s campaign, scoring four goals in just two games, including a hat-trick in Morocco’s 4-2 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ndiaye has matched her stride for stride, showing incredible composure and finishing ability. She notched braces in both Senegal’s narrow 3-2 loss to Zambia and their dominant 4-0 win over DR Congo, underlining her importance to the Teranga Lionesses’ attacking setup.
Following closely are Zambia’s attacking duo, Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, with three goals each. Banda made headlines with the fastest goal of the tournament, scoring just 58 seconds into Zambia’s opener against Morocco.
She added another in their thrilling 3-2 win over Senegal. Kundananji, meanwhile, has been a model of consistency, scoring in all three group matches and posing a constant threat inside the box.
A group of players sit just behind the frontrunners with two goals each, including Nigeria’s Chinwendu Ihezuo.
The Super Falcons forward has combined flair with clinical finishing, keeping Nigeria firmly in the mix as the competition intensifies.
Ihezuo keeps the hope of securing the shoe by coming from the bench to score two goals, the leading Nigerian goal scorer in the competition.
Also on two goals are Senegal’s Mama Diop, Ghana’s Alice Kusi, and Morocco’s Yasmine Mrabet — all of whom have delivered in key moments for their respective teams.
As the tournament progresses into the quarterfinals, the Golden Boot race remains wide open.
One standout performance could tilt the scales, with several players well within striking distance of the top spot.
Top Scorers After Group Stage:
Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco) – 4 goals
Nguenar Ndiaye (Senegal) – 4 goals
Barbra Banda (Zambia) – 3 goals
Racheal Kundananji (Zambia) – 3 goals
Mama Diop (Senegal) – 2 goals
Chinwendu Ihezuo (Nigeria) – 2 goals
Alice Kusi (Ghana) – 2 goals
Yasmine Mrabet (Morocco) – 2 goals
With the unpredictability that defines WAFCON, the race for the Golden Boot promises more drama and excitement as the continent’s best continue their pursuit of glory.
