The 15th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is set to kick off on July 5th, 2024, in Morocco, marking the second consecutive time the North African nation will host the prestigious tournament. Six stadiums across five Moroccan cities, including Rabat’s Olympic Stadium and two venues in Casablanca, will play host to the matches, setting the stage for what is anticipated to be a fiercely competitive and captivating display of women’s football talent. The tournament promises to be a landmark event in African women’s football, with various teams vying for continental glory and the chance to represent Africa on the global stage.
Twelve national teams will compete for the coveted WAFCON title, divided into three groups of four. Group A features host nation Morocco alongside Zambia, Senegal, and DR Congo. Group B comprises powerhouse Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. Group C sees reigning champions South Africa pitted against Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania. The group stage promises a series of thrilling encounters as teams battle for a spot in the knockout rounds. Each group presents its own unique dynamics and potential upsets, guaranteeing a captivating spectacle for football enthusiasts.
Nigeria, the undisputed queens of African women’s football, enter the tournament as the favorites, aiming to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2018. Holding a record 11 WAFCON titles, the Super Falcons, ranked 36th globally by FIFA, boast a formidable squad led by coach Randy Waldrum. Their key players include Chiamaka Nnadozie, recognized as Africa’s best goalkeeper in recent years, and the internationally acclaimed forward, Asisat Oshoala. Nigeria’s experience, coupled with their individual brilliance, makes them the team to beat.
However, the Super Falcons face stiff competition from several other contenders. South Africa, the reigning champions, will be eager to defend their title despite the absence of their star player, Thembi Kgatlana. Ranked 54th in the FIFA rankings, Banyana Banyana will rely on the attacking prowess of Hildah Magaia, a top scorer in the previous WAFCON, and Jermaine Seoposenwe, who plies her trade in the Mexican league. South Africa’s tactical discipline and attacking flair make them a serious threat to Nigeria’s ambitions.
Host nation Morocco, spurred on by the home crowd, also harbors ambitions of lifting the trophy. Their hopes are further bolstered by the appointment of renowned coach Jorge Vilda, who recently led Spain to World Cup glory. Vilda’s tactical acumen combined with the talent of the Moroccan squad, which impressed at the World Cup by holding their own against formidable opponents like Germany, could propel them to the latter stages of the tournament. A key test for Morocco will be their group stage encounter against Zambia, a team that previously eliminated them from Olympic qualification. Zambia’s star players, Barbra Banda, the 2022 African Women’s Footballer of the Year, and Racheal Kundananji, further elevate their status as a potential dark horse.
While the aforementioned teams are considered frontrunners, the tournament is also poised to witness the emergence of underdog stories. Teams like Botswana, Tanzania, and DR Congo, despite their lower FIFA rankings, have the potential to cause upsets and disrupt the plans of the favorites. Each match represents a challenge and an opportunity for these teams to showcase their talent and make a name for themselves on the continental stage. Every game carries significance, with some teams aiming for their maiden title while others seek to reclaim past glory.
Beyond the on-field action, the WAFCON also presents a platform for the growth and development of women’s football in Africa. The tournament not only showcases the talent and athleticism of African women footballers but also serves as an inspiration for future generations. Furthermore, it highlights the increasing global recognition and investment in women’s football, contributing to the ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality in sports.
The WAFCON 2024 promises a captivating spectacle of skill, determination, and passion. The diverse array of teams, each with its own unique strengths and playing styles, ensures a thrilling tournament filled with unexpected twists and turns. As the teams prepare to battle it out for continental supremacy, fans can anticipate a memorable tournament that underscores the growing prominence of women’s football in Africa and beyond.
