Moroccan football star Ghizlane Chebbak has cemented her legacy as one of Africa’s most prolific scorers, securing the Golden Boot at the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the second consecutive edition. The 34-year-old captain netted five goals during the tournament, leading Morocco’s historic campaign on home soil and joining an elite group as only the second player in WAFCON history to claim back-to-back top scorer honors.
Chebbak’s achievement extends a family legacy in African football. Her father, Larbi Chebbak, lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy with Morocco’s men’s team in 1976. Nearly five decades later, Ghizlane is carving her own path as a trailblazer in the women’s game, combining technical brilliance with leadership that has galvanized her team and fans alike.
Her dominance began early in the tournament. After a strong showing in Morocco’s opening match against Zambia, Chebbak delivered a decisive hat-trick against the Democratic Republic of Congo during the group stage. Her ability to exploit defensive gaps, paired with clinical finishing, underscored her reputation as a seasoned tactician under coach Jorge Vilda’s system. Even in matches where she didn’t score—such as against Mali and Ghana—her influence through strategic passes, off-ball movement, and vocal guidance remained pivotal to Morocco’s progression.
The pinnacle of her campaign came during the final against Nigeria in Rabat. Chebbak electrified the Stade Olympique crowd just 13 minutes into the match, controlling a loose ball at the edge of the penalty area before firing a low strike past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Though Morocco ultimately fell 3-2 in the thrilling contest, her early goal exemplified her composure under pressure and ability to deliver on the biggest stage.
Beyond the statistics, Chebbak’s impact resonates deeply within Moroccan football. As the team’s captain and elder stateswoman, she mentors emerging talents while symbolizing the rapid growth of women’s sports in a region historically dominated by men’s athletics. Her success mirrors Morocco’s broader investments in women’s football infrastructure, including increased funding and youth development programs launched in recent years.
With this latest accolade, Chebbak reinforces her status as a role model for aspiring female athletes across the continent. Analysts highlight her longevity in a sport where peak performance often skews younger, attributing her consistency to rigorous fitness regimens and adaptive playmaking. As WAFCON 2024 concludes, her legacy—both as a record-setting striker and a catalyst for change—stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of African women’s football.
