RABAT – Africa’s biggest celebration of women’s football returns with the 13th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), kicking off on 5 July 2025 in Morocco. This highly anticipated tournament marks the second consecutive time that the North African nation hosts the finals, and expectations are soaring.
Twelve of the continent’s best teams will compete across six stadiums in five Moroccan cities in a 22-day tournament that culminates in the final on 26 July in Rabat.
A New Era for African Women’s Football
WAFCON 2024 is only the second edition of the tournament to feature 12 teams, after the format expanded in 2022 from eight participants. This move has been pivotal in deepening competition and broadening the platform for women’s football in Africa.
Since the change, newer sides like Botswana, Burundi, and Togo have stepped onto the continental stage, bringing with them fresh energy and ambition. This evolution, driven by CAF’s commitment to growing the women’s game, continues to reshape the landscape.
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe called it a “commitment to the young girls who dare to dream,” and the 2024 edition stands as a clear reflection of that vision.
The Groups: A Glimpse at the Contenders
Group A: Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, DR Congo
Group B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, Botswana
Group C: South Africa, Ghana, Mali, Tanzania
The top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed sides will proceed to the quarter-finals.
Favourites and Key Players to Watch
🇳🇬 Nigeria: The Record Champions
The Super Falcons remain the continent’s most successful team with nine titles. Coach Justin Madugu will rely on the experience and firepower of Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Chiamaka Nnadozie, among others, as Nigeria seeks to reclaim glory after falling short in 2022.
🇿🇦 South Africa: Defending Champions
Banyana Banyana, guided by Desiree Ellis, are hungry for back-to-back titles. Despite the absence of star forward Thembi Kgatlana, South Africa has depth, with Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia, and Linda Motlhalo leading the charge.
🇲🇦 Morocco: Hosts and Rising Giants
The Atlas Lionesses, led by Jorge Vilda, Spain’s World Cup-winning coach, aim to capture their first continental crown. Veteran striker Ibtissam Jraidi, the first Moroccan woman to score at a FIFA World Cup, is determined to make history on home soil.
🇿🇲 Zambia: Ready to Roar
The Copper Queens finished third in 2022 and now bring an even more lethal strike force in Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji. Both are among the most expensive female footballers in history, and under Swiss coach Nora Häuptle, Zambia is a serious threat.
Match Venues
Olympic Stadium, Rabat (21,000 capacity)
El Bachir Stadium, Mohammedia (15,000)
Larbi Zaouli & Pere Jego Stadiums, Casablanca (30,000 & 10,000)
Honneur Stadium, Oujda (19,800)
Berkane Stadium, Berkane (15,000)
Notably, none of the venues used in 2022 are part of this edition, as Morocco renovates facilities ahead of hosting AFCON 2025 and co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Fixtures to Watch
Opening Match:
🗓️ 5 July – Morocco vs Zambia (Rabat, 20:00 GMT)
Key Group Clashes:
South Africa vs Ghana – 7 July (Oujda, 16:00 GMT)
Nigeria vs Algeria – 13 July (Casablanca, 19:00 GMT)
Zambia vs Senegal – 9 July (Mohammedia, 16:00 GMT)
Ghana vs Tanzania – 14 July (Berkane, 19:00 GMT)
Knockout Stages Begin:
🗓️ 18 July – Quarter-Finals
🗓️ 22 July – Semi-Finals
🗓️ 26 July – Final (Rabat, 20:00 GMT)
Tickets
The first phase of ticket sales for Africa’s premier women’s football competition, the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024 is now on sale.
This phase is opened exclusively for VISA cardholders. VISA is a long-term partner of CAF and an exclusive payment partner for several CAF Competitions.
The second phase will open on Sunday, 29 June 2025.
Tickets are available to purchase online through WeBook.com. Premium Category, Category 1 and Category 2 are on sale.
Visit the CAF website for more information.
VAR and Technology
Following its successful debut in 2022, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will once again feature in all matches, reinforcing CAF’s commitment to transparency and modernisation. Referees underwent intense training to ensure consistent and professional officiating.
Words from the Stars
“We want to give everything for our country. I have achieved most of my dreams, but the one that remains is winning WAFCON for Morocco.”
— Ibtissam Jraidi, Morocco forward
“We will fight for the fans. We will give more than our maximum.”
— Desiree Ellis, South Africa coach
A Moment of Pan-African Pride
The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is more than a tournament — it is a showcase of Africa’s progress in gender inclusion, sports development, and footballing excellence. With the continent’s finest athletes assembled and millions of fans watching, Morocco 2024 is set to be the most competitive and inspiring WAFCON yet.
As the first whistle blows in Rabat, one thing is certain: African women’s football has truly come of age.
Don’t Miss It:
📺 Full fixtures and results on CAFOnline.com
Let the games begin.
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