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The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) began on a poignant note in Rabat on Saturday night, as players and fans paid tribute to late Nigerian legend, Peter Rufai, Footynaija.com reports.
A minute’s silence was observed before kick-off between Morocco and Zambia, honouring the former Super Eagles goalkeeper who passed away in his sleep on Thursday at the age of 61 after a long illness.
#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 kicked off with a minute’s silence in memory of Former Nigeria goalkeeper Peter Rufai.
— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) July 5, 2025
May his Soul Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/JcgtNq8k3y
Rufai, affectionately nicknamed Dodo Mayana, earned 65 international caps and played a crucial role in Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph. He also featured in two FIFA World Cups (1994 and 1998).
The Lagos-born icon is the sixth member of Nigeria’s fabled 1994 AFCON-winning squad to pass on, joining Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, Wilfred Agbonavbare, Thompson Oliha and Uche Okafor.
On the pitch, hosts Morocco and Zambia played out a dramatic 2-2 draw in an action-packed tournament opener.
FULL-TIME!
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 5, 2025
Opening clash packed with drama, but we end level! #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/EQmeaHvHPD
Zambia got off to a sensational start, taking the lead in the very first minute through Barbra Banda, who rifled a low shot past the Moroccan keeper after a swift counterattack. Morocco equalised just 11 minutes later when Ibtissam Jraïdi converted from the penalty spot following a VAR-reviewed foul on Najat Badri.
But the Copper Queens responded swiftly. In the 27th minute, Banda turned provider, releasing Racheal Kundananji with a sublime pass that split the defence, and the striker calmly slotted home.
Barbra Banda’s magic.
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 5, 2025
Marvellous assist to Kundananji to score Zambia’s second goal of the night. ⚽️#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/WYT9DtyjSp
Morocco rallied late and found their reward through captain Ghizlane Chebbak, who curled a superb effort into the top corner with just three minutes remaining to salvage a point.
Brilliantly equalising.
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 5, 2025
Ghizlane Chebbak with a long-range strike to clinch a point in the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 opener. pic.twitter.com/wEY5pgtAl3
It’s the first time since 2004 that a host nation has failed to win their WAFCON opener.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons, nine-time champions, will kick off their campaign against Tunisia on Sunday with expectations running high.
