The Women's Africa Cup of Nations continues to deliver breathtaking drama as underdogs Cape Verde script an unforgettable fairytale while former champions South Africa grapple with a deepening coaching crisis following their shock elimination.
Cape Verde's Monumental Achievement
In what can only be described as a historic moment for African football, Cape Verde have achieved the remarkable feat of qualifying for both the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations and the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. This unprecedented double qualification marks a watershed moment for the island nation's football development.
The senior team's stunning 2-0 victory over Ghana served as the catalyst for this extraordinary achievement, sending shockwaves through the tournament and establishing Cape Verde as the competition's ultimate underdog success story.
South Africa's Coaching Conundrum
Meanwhile, South African football finds itself in turmoil following the national team's unexpected early exit from the tournament. The shock elimination has plunged the coaching position into uncertainty, with current manager Desiree Ellis facing intense scrutiny despite her previous successes.
The South African Football Association now confronts a critical decision: whether to stick with the coach who delivered historic World Cup qualification or seek new leadership to revitalise the team ahead of future campaigns.
Tournament Talking Points
- Underdog Dominance: Cape Verde's success demonstrates the growing competitiveness of women's football across Africa
- Coaching Carousel: South Africa's predicament highlights the precarious nature of international management
- Development Pathway: The dual qualification shows the importance of integrated youth and senior programmes
- Tournament Intensity: Unexpected results prove no team can be taken lightly in modern women's football
The WAFCON continues to showcase the rapid evolution of women's football on the continent, where traditional powerhouses can no longer assume dominance and emerging nations are rewriting the script of African football history.
