* It’s truly an honour and privilege to be part of WAfCON, even when my country isn’t participating — and the adrenaline rush was unforgettable
* May the resilience of the African girl child light up football pitches across Africa and around the world
* SuperSport on DStv and GOtv to broadcast live the biggest celebration of African women’s football kicking off from Saturday, July 5-26
By Duncan Mlanjira
Malawi Scorchers captain, Tabitha TC11 Chawinga was amongst top African women footballers tasked by Confederation of African Football (CAF) to unveil the new Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAfCON) trophy, which will be competed for in the WAfCON Morocco 2024 finals — kicking off from Saturday, July 5-26.
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Tabitha was one of the distinguished guests at the ceremony which included players from all the 12 participating teams, as well as the referees, legends of African women’s football, and an entire continent that “witnessed the birth of a new icon”.
Tabitha posted on Instagram and X, formerly Twitter, saying: “It’s truly an honour and privilege to be part of WAfCON — even when my country isn’t participating.
“I had the incredible opportunity to unveil trophy in Rabat, Morocco — and the adrenaline rush was unforgettable! A heartfelt thank you to CAF for including me in this special moment.”
She thus wished all participating teams “the very best — let the games begin! African women’s football is on the rise. May the resilience of the African girl child light up football pitches across Africa and around the world — believe in possibilities.”
According to CAFonline, “a golden glow illuminated Casablanca” when the new trophy was being unveiled to the applause of the — a moment described as “a testament to the ambitions, struggles and rise of the women’s game that now refuses to be marginalised”.
The trophy has been designed from direct inspiration of the iconic men’s AfCON trophy — described as representing “more than a piece of silverware — a celebration of equality, unity, and excellence”.
“The trophy’s striking design, features identical petals spiralling upward, each one representing a participating national team,” says CAFonline. “Together, they form the shape of a blooming flower, a timeless symbol of growth, empowerment, and beauty.
“This imagery captures the journey of African women’s football and the vibrant strength of its athletes. Emerging from the heart of this elegant floral form is a golden sphere, patterned subtly as a football.
“Adorned with a shiny gold map of Africa, the sphere reflects the continent’s ambition, pride, and global impact in the women’s game.
“Crafted in brilliant silver and matte gold, the body of the trophy is wrapped in a gold ring engraved with the CAF logo, affirming the confederation’s steadfast commitment to elevating the women’s game across all 54 member associations.
“The base, a pristine white marble pedestal with elegant gold-accented stripes, bears the name of the competition in refined matte gold lettering, cementing the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nation’s legacy within the rich tapestry of African sport.
“As the next generation of African stars prepare to shine at the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024, this new trophy will serve as a beacon of aspiration — inspiring millions of young girls across the continent to dream, to believe, and to achieve on the global stage.”
Reigning champions South Africa
Meanwhile, SuperSport has secured live broadcasting rights for DStv and GOtv for the WAfCON) Morocco 2024 — the biggest celebration of women’s football on the continent — that promises some key takeaways as Council for Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) representatives, South Africa enter as reigning champions after lifting their first-ever title in 2022 with a 2–1 win over the then hosts Morocco.
SuperSport reports that as South Africa looks towards cementing a legacy with back-to-back titles, the hosts Morocco aim to build on home advantage and a star-packed squad; while another African powerhouse, Nigeria, will target redemption after a disappointing showing in 2022.
Along with South Africa as COSAFA representatives are Zambia and Botswana, with the Copper Queens — led by captain and reigning Women’s African Footballer of the Year 2024, Barbra Banda being described as ‘Dark Horses’ alongside opponents Ghana, Mali, and DR Congo to shake up the status quo.
Zambian Barbra Banda
“As Africa’s biggest sports broadcaster, SuperSport is ‘Here for Her’ — championing the rise of women’s football with unmatched coverage,” says SuperSport in its statement.
“Expect expert pre-match analysis, dynamic camera angles, engaging post-match banter, insightful talk shows, and world-class commentary that will bring every thrilling moment to life like never before.”
SuperSport takes note that the 15th edition of the WAfCON, “is also marked with a historic milestone as Morocco becomes the first country to host back-to-back editions, following its successful staging of the 2022 tournament”.
“This year, 12 of the continent’s top teams will compete across five cities and six venues — Rabat, Casablanca, Mohammédia, Oujda, and Berkane, [which as also set to host the men’s Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) Morocco 2025 later this year].
“While the tournament will take place in 2025, it retains the 2024 designation in its official title because the competition was originally scheduled for 2024, and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has opted to maintain the original naming to preserve alignment with the tournament’s established cycle and branding.
“This approach is consistent with international sporting norms, where events are typically named after their intended year rather than the year of execution. The rescheduling was due to logistical and calendar-related adjustments, but the title remains unchanged to ensure continuity in historical records.
“Similar examples include the UEFA Euro 2020 and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, both of which were held in 2021 but retained their original names.”
South African media highlights that the defending champions, Banyana Banyana — led by head coach Desiree Ellis and goalkeeper Andile Dlamini — are determined to retain the trophy, though Dlamini has cautioned against complacency, reminding her teammates that “anyone is capable of winning this tournament…it depends on who excels on that specific day”.
Group A of Morocco, Zambia, Senegal and DR Congo sets the hosts, the Atlas Lionesses, facing a stern test, particularly from Zambia, who finished in third-place in 2022 and shone at the Olympic Games — while Senegal are improving with DR Congo side returning with more vigour.
COSAFA side Botswana are up against powerhouses in Group B alongside Nigeria, Tunisia and Algeria — but could pull off surprises especially against Africa’s most decorated side, the Super Falcons, who will seek a 12th title.
“Despite a lacklustre 2022 campaign, Nigeria are amongst the outright favourites and comfortably the highest-ranked team in the competition,” analyses SuperSport Media, adding that Tunisia and Algeria also have made recent strides.
Described as the ‘fireworks group’ of South Africa, Ghana, Mali and Tanzania, it promises high drama as Ghana returns after absences; Mali to challenge confidently, with Tanzania making their comeback to the finals while South Africa are favourites as reigning champions but must be wary.
Top players to watch include Zambia’s Barbra Banda, who is a standout attacker and Olympic scorer and poses a constant threat up front while Nigeria’s squad is anchored by former CAF Women’s Player of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie in goals, plus attacking talent such as another decorated CAF Women’s Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala — thus the Falcons remain a potent force.
Alongside Tagnaout, Morocco’s forward Sanaa Mssoudy and a robust midfield give the Atlas Lionesses home-ground momentum while South Africa’s grit is in team resilience of tight and disciplined defending — coupled with a growing confidence in their attack.
Group winners, runners-up, and the two best third-placed teams will progress to the quarterfinals in the run up to the final, whose stakes are high — not only WAfCON glory, but also vital momentum building toward the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifiers.
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“The WAfCON 2024 promises riveting drama — a blend of tradition and underdogs, with freshly crowned champions, veteran nations, and ambitious hosts all vying for continental supremacy,” says SuperSport Media.
“Expect exhilarating matches, passionate crowds, and compelling narratives across North Africa this July – and you can see it all LIVE on SuperSport!”.
To stay or get connected, upgrade and manage their subscriptions, DStv and GOtv customers are encouraged to download the MyDStv or MyGOtv app on their mobile app store or visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com.
“You can also catch all the action while on the move. Stream all matches on the DStv Stream of GOtv Stream app by downloading it from the app store today.”
