Getting Ready for WAFCON: What to Expect?

Africa’s premier women’s football tournament is about to be hosted in Morocco. The event commences in July This showpiece brings together the entire continent into one stage to celebrate African women’s football and an avenue to showcase the sports heritage of Africa. It also serves as a foundation where new stars would be unearthed while the veterans and stars cement their legacy and dominance on the African continent.

The tournament will consist of 12 teams which represent the best on the continent to be competing for the coveted trophy and the bragging rights of being the best in Africa. Some new teams such as Tanzania would be gracing the continental showpiece. The tournament would last between July 5–26, 2025,  with matches across Rabat, Casablanca, and Mohammedia Stadiums. The participating countries are Group A (Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, DR Congo), Group B (Nigeria, Algeria, Botswana, Tunisia), and  Group C ( South Africa, Ghana, Mali, Tanzania). Host nation Morocco would be expecting a full house for this tournament as they seem to revere women’s football as seen in their investment in the last decade.

Some powerhouses such as Nigeria, defending champions(South Africa), and Zambia as well as Morocco would be poised to make a statement in this edition as they represented Africa in the Olympics.

Emerging nations such as Tanzania and Ghana are making strides on their part to make an impact in this edition of the AWFCON. Key players such as Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Barbra Banda, Rachel Kundanaji, amongst others are expected to impact the tournament based on their recent performances in their respective clubs.

This tournament will serve as an   avenue to also unveil the next generation of stars in the continent.

Some veterans like Nigerian forward Asisat Oshoala come along with extensive experience in Europe’s top leagues, and now the NWSL. Oshoala is a veteran leader for Nigeria’s Super Falcons.

Another player is Grace Asantewaa  of Ghana, a midfielder with European club experience, bringing creativity and stability to Ghana’s Black Queens.

Current CAF women’s player of the year Barbra Banda of Zambia) is a prolific striker playing in the NWSL (USA), Banda is a major goal threat and a rising star in African women’s football and she would look to add the women’s African championship to her résumé. Ghizlane Chebbak of Morocco will look to captain her side to a tournament on home soil and that would be an extra boost for her to bring the trophy home.

 Teams like Morocco and South Africa emphasize tactical discipline and possession football, while Nigeria and Zambia rely on pace and direct attacking play.

Coaches are balancing youth and experience, focusing on fitness and tactical flexibility. Zambia’s coach Nora Häuptle aims to challenge Morocco’s technical style with an aggressive approach.

 Zambia, Senegal, Tanzania and Botswana are dark horses capable of causing upsets. Host Morocco’s home advantage and South Africa’s title defense add layers of intrigue. The tournament promises intense tactical battles and unpredictable outcomes and would be one to watch out for as every nation is poised to make a statement and bring glory to their respective nations.

Role of WAFCON in Boosting Women’s Football

 WAFCON would be  crucial for advancing women’s football in Africa by improving infrastructure, visibility, and professional opportunities and what better way than to set the tone for a memorable event such as the one CAF has being having prior to the opening ceremony. This WAFCON would inspire young girls continent-wide to pursue their dreams and like their idols emulate and calve a name for themselves.

Fan Interest, Media Coverage, and Sponsorship

This  2025 edition would look to attract record attention, with live broadcasts, growing social media engagement, and increase in sponsorship deals reflecting the sport’s rising profile on the continent.

There seems to be a feeling of excitement across the continent and the tournament draws near and nations are anticipating a level of support for the game to increase its inclusivity for young girls. While excitement looms and challenges emerge, the game looks set to deliver the best of African women’s football. This tournament looks ready to set a tone for the bright future of African women’s football on the entire continent.