The highly anticipated draw for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) took place Friday night in the Moroccan city of Sale, setting the stage for an epic battle as 12 of the continent’s top women’s soccer teams learned their group stage fate. Defending champions South Africa headline a tantalizing Group C alongside powerhouse Ghana, while hosts Morocco and Nigeria were handed intriguing challenges in their respective pools.
Champions Face Early Test
South Africa, who captured their first-ever WAFCON title in Morocco in 2022, will have to navigate a tricky Group C that includes Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania. The Banyana Banyana’s championship pedigree will be put to the test early against a talented Ghana squad eager to make their mark on the tournament.
As the defending champions, we are not going to be cocky at all. The only thing that we need to do is work extremely hard and prepare for this tournament, because it is a humongous tournament.
– South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini
Hosts Handed Tricky Draw
Morocco, who will be looking to go one step further after finishing as runners-up in 2022, find themselves in Group A alongside Zambia, Senegal, and Congo DR. The Copper Queens of Zambia, who stunned Nigeria 1-0 to finish third last time out, boast the attacking talents of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji and will pose a significant threat to the hosts’ ambitions.
Nigeria Seeks Redemption
Eleven-time champions Nigeria endured a tournament to forget in 2022, but the Super Falcons will fancy their chances of reaching the knockout stages after being drawn into Group B with Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. Nigeria recently defeated Algeria 2-0 and 4-1 in a pair of friendly matches, albeit with a weakened squad, and will be confident of advancing to the latter stages.
Dark Horses Lurk in Every Group
While the traditional powers of African women’s soccer will grab the headlines, the 2024 WAFCON is not short on potential dark horses. Senegal, who impressed in qualifying, will feel they have the quality to spring a surprise in Group A, while Mali and Tanzania will be no pushovers in a competitive Group C.
The top three finishers at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will not only be crowned continental queens but will also secure coveted spots at the 2024 FIFA Women’s World Cup. With so much on the line, the battle for supremacy in Morocco promises to be fiercer than ever.
2024 WAFCON Draw in Full
- Group A: Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, DR Congo
- Group B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, Botswana
- Group C: South Africa, Ghana, Mali, Tanzania
The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on July 5th and concludes with the final on July 26th. With the draw now complete, the countdown to the continent’s premier women’s soccer showpiece has well and truly begun. Will South Africa defend their crown, or will a new champion emerge from the pack? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – the road to glory in Morocco will be paved with thrilling matches, stunning goals, and the irrepressible spirit of African soccer.
