Race for Golden Boot intensifies as Barbra Banda leads threat at Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

Eight nations have emerged from the group stage to contest the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco 2024, following a compelling first round that produced 45 goals.

The knockout phase promises fierce competition—especially in the battle for the Golden Boot.

Quarter-final fixtures are set to kick off on Friday, 18 July, with Nigeria taking on Zambia at Casablanca’s Stade Larbi Zaouli (17:00 GMT), followed by hosts Morocco facing Mali at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium (20:00 GMT).

The action continues on Saturday, 19 July, as Algeria meets Ghana at Berkane Municipal Stadium (17:00 GMT), with South Africa clashing with Senegal at Oujda’s Stade d’Honneur (20:00 GMT).

The opening round delivered an average of 2.5 goals per match, with 31 different players finding the net. Leading the scoring charts are Senegal’s Nguenar Ndiaye and Morocco’s Ghizlaine Chebbak, each with four goals, though both were sidelined on Matchday 3.

Zambia’s dynamic duo, captain Barbra Banda—recipient of the 2024 African Ballon d’Or—and teammate Racheal Kundananji have each netted three.

Trailing close behind are Nigerian striker Chinwendu Ihezuo, Senegal’s Mama Diop, Morocco’s Yasmin Mrabet and Ghana’s Alice Kusi, each with two goals. With all these players advancing to the knockout round, the Golden Boot race is wide open, as they will likely feature in the semi-finals and perhaps the final.

Scoring trends by group revealed Group A as the most prolific, yielding 21 goals, followed by Group C with 16. Group B lagged behind, producing just eight goals, although both Nigeria and Algeria maintained impressive defensive records with clean sheets. Morocco and South Africa share the accolade for the most potent attacks in the tournament so far, both contributing seven goals apiece.

Even Algeria and Tunisia—who bowed out after the group stage—registered goals through Mohamed Karchouni and Yesmin Chakhchoukh respectively, marking a successful tournament in terms of representation on the scoresheet.

Summary of Round 1 Goals

• Group A: 21 goals
• Group B: 8 goals
• Group C: 16 goals
• Total scorers: 31 players
  • 23 players with one goal
  • 4 players with two goals
  • 2 players with three goals
  • 2 players with four goals

As the tournament transitions into single-elimination fixtures, attention now shifts to the players vying for individual honours. Particularly, Barbra Banda’s prolific form positions her as a formidable contender for the Golden Boot. Her ability to score consistently, coupled with Zambia’s continued success, means she could surge ahead in the rankings.

With just four matches left in the knockout phase before a champion is crowned, these eight teams will need to sharpen their focus and resilience.

Beyond the trophies and team glory, the race for individual accolades—especially the Golden Boot—adds an exhilarating subplot to the conclusion of the tournament.

Fans across Africa will be watching closely to see whether the current top scorers maintain their momentum or if a dark horse emerges as a late challenge.

The quarter-finals promise to be exciting, as the continent’s best prepare for the final push in a tournament defined by tight margins, strategic brilliance, and moments of individual brilliance.