Golden Boot Race Heats Up at WAFCON as Ihezuo, Chebbak Shine Early

As the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) group stage enters its second round, Nigeria’s Chinwendu Ihezuo is among a host of in-form attackers lighting up the tournament, with the race for the Golden Boot already gathering pace.

The opening fixtures across all three groups produced a flurry of goals, with standout performances from the continent’s top forwards. Among those making early statements are Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak, Senegal’s Nguenar Ndiaye and Barbra Banda of Zambia — all of whom are determined to lead their nations to glory.

Chebbak, who was named best player and top scorer at the 2022 edition, is currently leading the goal charts alongside Ndiaye, with four goals apiece. The Moroccan captain struck once in the 2-2 draw against Zambia before netting a hat-trick in her side’s 4-2 triumph over DR Congo.

Senegal’s Ndiaye is proving just as lethal, scoring braces in both the 3-2 loss to Zambia and the earlier win over DR Congo.

Zambia’s captain Barbra Banda follows closely with three goals. She opened her account in the tournament’s curtain-raiser — a 2-2 thriller against hosts Morocco — and then added two more against Senegal.

Nigeria’s Chinwendu Ihezuo is part of a trio currently sitting on two goals. She found the net in the Super Falcons’ 3-0 victory over Tunisia and later sealed a narrow 1-0 win against Botswana. Joining her on two goals each are Zambia’s Rachael Kundananji and Senegal’s Mama Diop. Kundananji scored against both Morocco and DR Congo, while Diop netted a brace in Senegal’s 4-0 rout of DR Congo.

Although the group stage is still ongoing, familiar names are also making their presence felt. South Africa’s Jermaine Seoposenwe scored in Banyana Banyana’s 2-0 win over Ghana, while Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala opened her tournament account with a goal in the win against Tunisia.

With several matches still to be played, the race for the tournament’s top scorer remains wide open, and fans can expect more fireworks as the knockout stage draws near.