The long-awaited 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will officially kick off in Morocco from 5 to 26 July 2025, after being postponed due to scheduling conflicts with the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Returning to the same host nation as the 2022 edition, where they were narrowly beaten finalists, Morocco are hoping to go one better this time. Defending champions South Africa, 11-time champions Nigeria, and a rising Zambia side headline the tournament’s favourites.
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana won the title in 2022
Tournament Format & Groups
Twelve teams will compete in three groups of four, with the top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed teams advancing to the quarter-finals.
Group A: Morocco (hosts), Zambia, Senegal, DR Congo
Group B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, Botswana
Group C: South Africa (holders), Ghana, Mali, Tanzania
🗓️ Full Schedule Highlights
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Opening match: 5 July – Morocco vs Zambia at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium
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Group Stage: 5–14 July
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Quarter-finals: 18–19 July
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Semi-finals: 22 July
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Third-place playoff: 25 July
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Final: 26 July at the Olympic Stadium, Rabat
🏆 Prize Money Boost
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe announced a substantial increase in prize money:
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Winner: $1,000,000
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Runner-up: $500,000
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Third place: $350,000
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Fourth place: $300,000
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Quarter-finalists: $200,000 each
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3rd in group: $150,000
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4th in group: $125,000 each
CAF cited the increase as part of its commitment to enhancing women’s football across the continent.
Teams & Players to Watch
Zambia will be boosted by the return of star striker Barbra Banda, cleared to participate after missing the last edition due to CAF’s testosterone regulations. With Banda, Racheal Kundananji, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya, the Copper Queens boast one of the tournament’s most feared attacks.
Nigeria, in transition but still dangerous, look to rising stars like Jennifer Echegini (PSG) and Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton). The Super Falcons remain the most successful team in African women’s football.
South Africa’s preparations have been troubled by off-pitch disputes, and they’ll miss Thembi Kgatlana due to personal reasons. Still, experienced figures like Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe will aim to lead Banyana Banyana to back-to-back titles.
Morocco, led by veteran Ghizlane Chebbak (Levante Badalona), will hope to lift the trophy on home soil after narrowly missing out in 2022.
Other rising talents include Ghana’s Evelyn Badu (Fleury 91) and Princess Marfo (Bay FC), both poised to make a mark on the continental stage.
📍 Venues
Six stadiums across five Moroccan cities will host WAFCON 2024:
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Olympic Stadium, Rabat (21,000) – Opening match & final
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Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca (30,000) – Largest venue
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Pere Jego Stadium, Casablanca (10,000) – Smallest venue
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Honneur Stadium, Oujda (19,800)
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El Bachir Stadium, Mohammedia (15,000)
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Berkane Stadium (15,000)
🗣️ A Tournament Poised for Greatness
Despite criticisms over the long delay, CAF officials have promised an unforgettable tournament.
“The quality and standard of women’s football in Africa is consistently improving and is world-class,” said Dr Motsepe. “This competition is going to be enormously successful.”
All eyes now turn to Rabat as Africa’s finest prepare for a battle for continental glory.
