While the European Championship is in full swing, the 2024 Africa Women's Cup of Nations (WAFCON) got underway on Saturday night in Rabat.
The opening match saw host nation Morocco held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Zambia. Coached by former Spain boss Jorge Vilda, Morocco is considered one of the tournament contenders, but Barbra Banda's return for Zambia proved pivotal as both teams earned a point in a lively Group A opener.
Morocco has started the tournament with a draw against Zambia (Photo courtesy: CAF)
As the tournament kicks off, all eyes are on defending champions South Africa, who aim to retain their crown and deliver another bold statement. Host nation Morocco enters the competition as a serious contender after their historic run to the final in 2022. Meanwhile, continental powerhouses like Nigeria—with a record number of titles—and emerging threats like Zambia and Senegal are expected to bring firepower and flair to the tournament.
This year's WAFCON promises to be the most competitive yet, with growing investment in women's football across Africa translating into stronger squads and World Cup experience.
Additionally, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a significant increase in prize money. The winner's purse has doubled to $1 million (approximately 650 million CFA francs), and the overall prize pool has increased by 45% to $3.475 million (approximately 2.258 billion CFA francs).
CAF President Patrice Motsepe reiterated the organization's commitment: "CAF remains devoted to the development and promotion of women's football in Africa. The 100% increase in the winners' bonus and the 45% rise in overall prizes are meant to improve the salaries of players, coaches, and technical staff."
Tournament Format
The competition begins with a group stage composed of three groups of four teams each. The top two teams in each group will automatically qualify for the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams.
The continent’s prime women football tournament. WAFCON 2024 players and representatives
Group A
Host nation Morocco, runners-up in 2022, will rely on home support, a solid defense (they kept four clean sheets in their last six AFCON matches), and striker Ghizlane Chebbak—the tournament's top scorer in 2022. Jorge Vilda, who led Spain to a World Cup title two years ago, now coaches the home side. With talent and experience, Morocco aims to go all the way.
Zambia, bronze medalists in 2022, are a major threat with their explosive attack, now boosted by the return of Barbra Banda. The Orlando Pride striker scored four goals at the 2024 Olympics and is Zambia's key player. Senegal, who reached the quarter-finals last time, could battle for one of the best third-place spots. DR Congo, returning after missing the last three tournaments, remain somewhat of an unknown quantity.
Prediction: Morocco and Zambia are expected to progress, with Senegal fighting for one of the best third-place berths.
Group B
Nine-time champions Nigeria remain one of the dominant forces in African women's football. The Super Falcons scored 19 goals en route to a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Morocco in the 2022 semi-finals. Despite losing all three group games at the 2024 Olympics, they impressed in Paris with narrow losses to Spain and Brazil. Nigeria boasts one of the most experienced and deepest squads in the tournament, including Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Tunisia reached the quarter-finals for the first time in their second WAFCON appearance in 2022 but have struggled since, including a shock early loss to Kenya in the 2026 qualifiers.
Algeria holds the unenviable record of being the only team to appear in five or more WAFCON tournaments without ever advancing past the group stage. However, the Desert Foxes are in top form (winning 11 of their last 15 matches) and were drawn into a relatively favorable group—perhaps 2025 will finally be their breakout year.
Botswana, one of the tournament's lowest-ranked sides, reached the quarter-finals in their debut WAFCON in 2022. They face an uphill battle to repeat that feat, but the Zebras have proven to be tricky opponents and could spring another surprise.
Group C
Undoubtedly the most exciting group of the tournament, it features reigning champions South Africa and perennial contenders Ghana, who return after missing the 2022 edition.
South Africa missed out on the 2024 Olympics after losing to Nigeria in the qualifiers, but they reached the knockout stage of the World Cup two years ago for the first time in their history. Banyana Banyana have beaten every African side they've faced in 2025 so far but will be without star striker Thembi Kgatlana, who withdrew for personal reasons. Look to Jermaine Seoposenwe, who scored 12 goals for Monterrey in the Mexican women's league last season, to step up in her absence.
Ghana may draw inspiration from South Africa's 2022 title run. The Black Queens remain the only team to have reached multiple WAFCON finals without ever lifting the trophy. However, they must first navigate the group stage—something they haven't done since 2006.
Mali, absent in 2022, did reach the semi-finals in 2018. Repeating that performance would be a major success for the "Eagles."
Tanzania are making only their second appearance but could be a surprise package thanks to a young, gifted squad led by 20-year-old forward Clara Luvanga.
The 2024 Women's AFCON kicked off with Morocco and Zambia drawing 2-2 in Rabat. Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana headline a thrilling tournament.