What To Know Ahead Of The 15th Edition In Morocco

In just a few days, Morocco will welcome Africa’s top women’s footballers for the 15th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), a tournament whose journey to kick-off has been anything but smooth. Originally slated for mid-2024, WAFCON was delayed by over a year to avoid overlapping with the Paris Olympics. This 13-month postponement disrupted preparation plans and training cycles for teams across the continent. Yet despite the challenges, the delay has also fuelled anticipation, set the stage for new storylines, and raised the stakes ahead of kick-off on July 5th.

A Year-Long Pause Tests Teams’ Resolve

The postponement has been far from ideal for national teams. Coaches and players who had meticulously calibrated fitness programs for 2024 were forced into an extended holding pattern, trying to maintain sharpness through sporadic friendlies and local camps. For teams that thrive on match rhythm, such a pause risks blunting competitive edges just as African women’s football is striving for consistency and global respect.

The delay also posed challenges for commercial partners eager to ride the wave of women’s football’s growing popularity. However, CAF has turned this setback into an opportunity, planning an elaborate trophy unveiling days before kick-off and reportedly the competition’s prize money has been boosted from $975,000 to $2.4 million. This increase signals CAF’s commitment to bridging the longstanding financial divide between men’s and women’s competitions.

Hosts Morocco Face a Stern Test in Group A

The draw has served up intriguing storylines across all three groups. Morocco, hosting WAFCON for a second consecutive edition, will open Group A against Zambia, a team that denied them an Olympic spot. Zambia, powered by forwards Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, two of the world’s most valuable female footballers, arrive with confidence after placing third in 2022. Banda, who missed that edition due to eligibility issues, will finally have her chance to headline for the Copper Queens.

Completing Group A are Senegal and DR Congo. Senegal continues its upward trajectory after reaching the WAFCON quarter-finals in 2022 behind their star forward Awa Diakhaté, who signed with Olympique de Marseille following her performance in 2022. DR Congo returns to the prestigious tournament for the first time since 2012, buoyed by the growth of domestic women’s football and clubs like TP Mazembe leading continental competitions.

Nigeria Targets Tenth Title in Group B

Group B sees Nigeria drawn alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. The Super Falcons remain Africa’s most decorated women’s team, boasting nine WAFCON titles, and they arrive in Morocco with a clear mission: to end their six-year title drought and claim a historic tenth crown.

Nigeria’s squad is anchored by global stars who exemplify the country’s enduring footballing pedigree. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Africa’s top goalkeeper for the past two years, recently signed with Brighton & Hove Albion in England’s Women’s Super League, adding another chapter to her impressive career. Asisat Oshoala continues to provide invaluable experience and leadership, drawing on her success in Spain and the United States to ensure Nigeria remains the team to beat.

Adding further depth to the team is 24-year-old Jennifer Echegini, who will be making her WAFCON debut. Despite this being her first appearance at the continental showpiece, she carries the the maturity and experience from her time playing with European giants Juventus and her current club Paris Saint-Germain.

Together, this blend of established leaders and emerging talents ensures that Nigeria remains Africa’s benchmark in women’s football, and they will settle for nothing less than reclaiming their continental crown.

South Africa Looks to Defend Without Their Star Forward

Defending champions South Africa find themselves in Group C with Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania. While Banyana Banyana clinched their first title in 2022 with tactical discipline and attacking flair, they will be without their talismanic striker Thembi Kgatlana, who withdrew from the squad due to personal reasons.

Coach Desiree Ellis, who guided them to their maiden WAFCON triumph and a historic FIFA World Cup Round of 16 appearance in 2023, still has plenty of talent at her disposal. Hildah Magaia, who scored both goals in their 2022 final win over Morocco, will lead the attack alongside Jermaine Seoposenwe, who has been in fine form for Monterrey in Mexico. Creative playmaker Linda Motlhalo, currently with Glasgow City, adds experience and vision to South Africa’s midfield.

Speaking to CAF ahead of the tournament, Ellis highlighted that their preparation goes beyond simply retaining their title. She emphasised the importance of keeping the team motivated and focused on improvement, working to build depth and versatility across the squad to avoid the complacency that can follow success. Their training has prioritised strengthening defensive organisation and enhancing overall game management. For South Africa, the goal is to arrive in Morocco as a team that has grown in all areas, ready not only to defend their crown but to set even higher standards.

Zambia’s Golden Generation Arrives Ready

Among the biggest threats to Nigeria and South Africa’s continental dominance is Zambia. After clinching a bronze medal in 2022 and qualifying for their second consecutive Olympics, the Copper Queens have built a genuine belief that they can go all the way.

Banda and Kundananji form a lethal attacking duo, with Banda shining in the NWSL for Orlando Pride and Kundananji making headlines as the most expensive female footballer in history after her record move to Bay FC. Their squad also includes midfield anchors like Grace Chanda and U-17 prodigy Mercy Chipasula, highlighting Zambia’s blend of youth and experience under coach Nora Hauptle.

Beyond the Trophy: What This WAFCON Represents

Beyond the trophy lift and medal celebrations, this year’s WAFCON carries deep significance for the broader ecosystem of African women’s football. It serves as the continental qualifying pathway for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. With CAF’s expanded prize pool, federations now have tangible incentives to invest in grassroots programs, professional contracts, and better facilities for female athletes.

The surge in African talent moving abroad also elevates the tournament’s global relevance. Players like Banda, Kundananji, Nnadozie, Magaia, and Motlhalo are household names in elite leagues across Europe, the United States, and Mexico, ensuring international scouts, media, and brands will have eyes trained on Morocco throughout the tournament.

CAF’s recent three-year extension with TotalEnergies is worth $1.125 billion across all competitions, a deal that trickles down to better funding and exposure for the women’s game. Partnerships with brands like Africa Global Logistics also reinforce the idea that African women’s football is entering an era of new possibilities, with WAFCON as its flagship showcase.

When the whistle blows on July 5th, it will mark not only the start of Africa’s most prestigious women’s football tournament but also the beginning of a critical chapter for the sport’s future on the continent. With Nigeria aiming for a record-extending tenth title, South Africa seeking to defend their crown, Zambia believing their golden generation is ready, and emerging nations eager to rewrite old scripts, WAFCON 2025 promises to deliver drama, inspiration, and a reaffirmation that African women’s football is ready for its global breakthrough.