The wait is over – football fans, rejoice! The Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) is set to explode onto the continent's biggest stage this Sunday in Morocco. For a month, the very best female footballers from across Africa will clash in an unforgettable spectacle that promises non-stop action and thrilling drama.
This year's expanded tournament has 16 teams vying for the coveted title, with two debutants – Cape Verde and Malawi – eager to leave their mark on the continent. The increased field was made possible by four additional teams – Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Egypt – who were added after the initial qualification process concluded, a decision that had some nations feeling frustrated.
It's been a bumpy ride for Wafcon organizers, to say the least. Originally scheduled for March and April in Rabat, Casablanca, and Fes, the tournament was postponed just 12 days before kick-off due to 'unforeseen circumstances', according to CAF. Although no specific reasons were given, Morocco later requested new dates, resulting in the current summer slot. The revised schedule, announced on June 25th, retains the original draw and will see matches played in Rabat and Casablanca.
Nigeria is the team to beat – and they're aiming for an unprecedented 11th Wafcon title. Led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade and boasting a star-studded roster featuring Asisat Oshoala and Chiamaka Nnadozie, the reigning champions will be hoping to secure their tenth win in a row. But don't count out Morocco – as hosts and runners-up in the past two editions, they'll be relying on home advantage to propel them to victory this time around.
Other strong contenders include South Africa, the 2022 champions, and Zambia, who secured bronze in 2022 and reached the quarter-finals in 2025. Then there's the individual talents – Malawi's debut will draw attention to sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, while Moroccan captain Ghizlane Chebbak is primed to light up the tournament with her Golden Boot-winning form.