Senegalese striker Awa Diakhaté has set her sights on the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, determined to lead the Lionesses of Teranga to a maiden continental title after falling short in the previous edition.
Now 28 and playing for Olympique de Marseille, Diakhaté has become a central figure for the national team, both on and off the pitch.
Her breakout moment came during the 2022 tournament, where she netted Senegal’s first goal of the campaign and caught the attention of clubs and fans alike.
Two years on, she is not only a star striker but also a vocal leader of a squad eager to make history.
“We learned from our mistakes,” Diakhaté said, reflecting on Senegal’s quarter-final exit in the last edition.
“The African Cup of Nations is something you win, and this time, we’re here for that.”
Senegal face a challenging draw in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, DR Congo, and Zambia. But Diakhaté is undaunted.
She believes the current squad possesses the experience and mental strength needed to compete at the highest level.
“We’re no longer novices,” she added. “Most of us have already played in an AFCON. We’re ready.”
Her journey to the top has not been easy. Born and raised in Dakar, Diakhaté’s rise through the ranks of women’s football in Senegal was shaped by resilience and a desire to overcome limited opportunities.
It was at the 2022 tournament that she truly emerged as a player of international calibre — a breakthrough that changed her life and secured her move to France.
Often likened to Neymar for her technical flair and agility, Diakhaté embraces the comparison with a smile. But beyond the nickname, she is focused on using her profile to inspire young players in Senegal and across Africa.
As an ambassador for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Diakhaté has embraced her role as a mentor for aspiring athletes.
“The AFCON is more than a tournament,” she said. “It’s a platform. There are many talented players out there without clubs.
This is their chance to show the world what they can do.”
Having seen how one strong performance on the continental stage can transform a career, Diakhaté remains a passionate advocate for the tournament’s importance — especially for players still waiting for their big break.
“An AFCON can change a life. Mine is proof of that,” she concluded.
As the countdown to Morocco 2024 continues, Diakhaté’s leadership and belief in her teammates offer hope that this year’s campaign could mark a turning point for Senegalese women’s football.
With experience, hunger, and the will to inspire a new generation, she enters the competition as both a talisman and a symbol of ambition for a nation chasing its first women’s continental crown.
Ndeye Awa Diakhaté rejoint l’aventure Dakar 2026 comme ambassadrice officielle, un rôle fort de symbole alors que pour la première fois les JOJ posent leurs valises en Afrique et au Sénégal.
Off The Pitch est fier de se tenir à ses côtés pour une si exaltante aventure. pic.twitter.com/vV6wVpgb5S
— Off the pitch (@agenceotp) April 28, 2025
