The countdown is nearly over for Africa’s biggest women’s football tournament, the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), delayed until July 2025 and hosted once again by Morocco.
This is the 15th edition of the WAFCON and the second straight time Morocco is hosting after an impressive 2022 outing.
With just two days to go, excitement is building for what promises to be a festival of African talent, fierce rivalries, and defining moments with the following at stake;
Why is WAFCON 2024 Happening in 2025?
CAF postponed the tournament to avoid a scheduling conflict with the 2024 Paris Olympics, a decision that drew significant criticism given it was confirmed as early as August 2022.
Despite this lead time, CAF failed to resolve the clash, frustrating many fans and players who now have to wait an extra year between editions.
How Teams Qualified
Qualification was structured over two knockout rounds, played across home-and-away legs.
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Morocco automatically qualified as hosts.
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South Africa and Zambia received byes into the second round due to their WAFCON 2022 performances and FIFA rankings.
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Nigeria, surprisingly, had to start from the first round but advanced after São Tomé and Príncipe withdrew.
Biggest Shock:
Cameroon, a regular WAFCON contender, failed to qualify for the first time ever, losing on penalties to Kenya in the first round.Kenya were later eliminated by Botswana in round two.
Tournament Overview
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Dates: July 5 – 26, 2025
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Host Nation: Morocco
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Number of Teams: 12
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Group Format: Three groups of four
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Knockout Stage: Quarterfinals, semifinals, third-place playoff, and final
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Opening Match: Morocco vs. Zambia at Olympic Stadium, Rabat
Key Dates to Remember
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Group Stage: July 5 – 14
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Quarterfinals: July 18 & 19
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Semifinals: July 22
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Third-place Playoff: July 25
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Final: July 26 (Olympic Stadium, Rabat)
The Groups
Group A:
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Morocco (Host)
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Zambia
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Senegal
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DR Congo
Group B:
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Nigeria
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Tunisia
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Algeria
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Botswana
Group C:
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South Africa (Holders)
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Ghana
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Mali
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Tanzania
Each group’s top two teams will qualify for the knockout stage, along with the two best third-placed teams.
Host Stadiums & Cities
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Olympic Stadium, Rabat – 21,000 capacity
– Opening match and final venue -
Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca – 30,000
– Largest venue in the tournament -
Pere Jego Stadium, Casablanca – 10,000
– Smallest stadium of the tournament -
Honneur Stadium, Oujda – 19,800
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El Bachir Stadium, Mohammedia – 15,000
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Stade Municipal de Berkane – 15,000
Star Absences: Where Are the Chawingas?
Two of Africa’s biggest stars, Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, will not feature in this tournament.
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Why? Malawi did not enter the qualifiers due to financial constraints.
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Reactions: Both sisters criticised their federation at the time.
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Where are they now?
– Temwa stars for Kansas City Current and made history in the NWSL with 20 goals in her debut season.
– Tabitha plays for European giants Lyon.
Other major absentees include Rosemonde Kouassi of Ivory Coast, whose country was knocked out by Tanzania in the qualifiers.
Teams to Watch
Zambia – The Copper Queens
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Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride)
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Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC)
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Grace Chanda & Prisca Chilufya
Zambia’s golden generation is here. With Banda cleared to play after missing WAFCON 2022 due to CAF’s controversial testosterone regulations, the Olympic-qualified Copper Queens are a serious threat.
Nigeria – 11-Time Champions
Nigeria are going through a generational transition, but remain a powerhouse. With Nnadozie in goal and Oshoala leading the line, they aim to reclaim the title they lost in 2022.
The Super Falcons f Nigeria are the most successful team in tournament’s history with 11 titles including their 1991 and 1995 victory , which took place before the tournament expanded ahead of the 1998 edition.
Nigeria’s WAFCON titles: 1991, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018
South Africa – Defending Champions
South Africa’s build-up has been turbulent, with player protests over unpaid dues. Nonetheless, their squad’s cohesion and experience make them dangerous.
Morocco – Host Nation
Morocco stunned many by reaching the 2022 final. With growing domestic support and overseas talent, they’re targeting a historic first title.
Young Stars & Breakout Players
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Evelyn Badu (Ghana / Fleury 91) – 2021 CAF Women’s Champions League Player of the Tournament
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Princess Marfo (Ghana / Bay FC) – Just 21, poised to shine
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Afi Woedikou (Togo) – One of West Africa’s rising stars
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Opeyemi Ajakaye (Nigeria) – Teen striker with explosive pace
The 2024 WAFCON promises to be the most competitive edition yet. With continental powerhouses Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco and Zambia going all in, and rising teams like Botswana, Tanzania, and Ghana hoping to upset the order.
The stage is set for a dramatic month of African women’s football and could be the tournament where a new queen of African football is crowned.
