Defending champions South Africa
* Africa’s biggest women’s football showdown is here – live, loud, and unmissable From July 5-26, 2025 taking place in Morocco
* South Africa enters as defending champions, lifting their first-ever title in 2022 with a 2–1 win over hosts Morocco
* Along with South Africa as Council for Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) representatives are Zambia and Botswana
By Duncan Mlanjira
SuperSport on DStv and GOtv has secured live broadcasting rights for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024 — the biggest celebration of women’s football on the continent kicking off from July 5-26, 2025.
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The tournament promises some key takeaways as Council for Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) representatives, South Africa enter as defending champions after lifting their first-ever title in 2022 with a 2–1 win over the hosts Morocco.
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.
“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”.
Banyana Banyana
Meanwhile, Morocco dreams of going one better as hosts as in 2022, they reached the final and set a tournament attendance record with over 50,000 fans in the stands.
Central to their hopes is midfield maestro Fatima Tagnaout, the reigning CAF Women’s Inter-Club Player of the Year and a creative force for heavyweight club AS FAR — who is expected to anchor Morocco’s push.
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, (Group C), 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.
Zambia’s Barbra Banda
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.
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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.
“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.”
