After what is arguably the most successful Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Morocco in 2022 and powerhouse African team's stellar performances at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, anticipation for this year's Wafcon tournament is at an all-time high.
Amid high expectations, this year's edition faces potential cancellation, which could lead to quite a setback for women's soccer on the continent.
Defending champions South Africa, Nigeria (the record nine-time winners) and Zambia (who have both also qualified for the 2024 Olympics), Ghana, Tunisia, Mali, Algeria, Senegal, DR Congo, Botswana and Tanzania are the 12 national teams who have qualified for Wafcon. According to Kenyan football writer Julia Wanjeri, “With the biggest players in the women’s football transfer market coming from Africa [Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda from Zambia, and Asisat Oshoala from Nigeria], this is the must-watch Wafcon. Women’s football is drawing monumental audiences across the globe, including Africa. This is the Wafcon to maximise interest.”
Flying the flag with pride. 🇳🇬@alozieee | @NGSuper_Falcons pic.twitter.com/57YjdpgBld
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) April 11, 2024
At this point, it seems as if Wafcon, which is set to be held in Morocco again, will be cancelled due to the fact that the competition has no fixed date in this year's international match calendar. The uncertainty surrounding the scheduling has prompted speculation that the tournament might be shelved for the second time in four years (the first time being in 2020 due to COVID-19).
According to a football association president from one of the participating nations, who spoke to The Guardian on condition of anonymity, the lack of clarity regarding the tournament's date makes it challenging to plan and execute. Players, many of whom compete for clubs worldwide, are hesitant to commit to an event that hasn't been properly scheduled.
“When the Wafcon has no date in the match calendar, I do not see how a tournament is possible. The international match calendar is planned way in advance. You cannot fix a tournament into the year just like that. Our players feature for clubs across the world. They won’t agree to release players for a tournament that has not been planned for. It is unacceptable that Caf [The Confederation of African Football] did not deal with this issue for nearly two years," the FA president said.
Wanjeri added, “That we are knee-deep into a Wafcon year with no dates is preposterous. It would be such a wasted opportunity if the continent, with some of the world’s best players, does not press play when the world is all eyes and ears".
Patrice Motsepe, the president of Caf, has been unable to offer precise details regarding the timing of the tournament. Additionally, the South African has not provided an explanation as to why its scheduling has remained unresolved for the past two years since Morocco was awarded the tournament in August 2022. A Caf spokesperson did tell The Guardian that they are currently trying to find a “winnable solution” to the problem.
The uncertainty surrounding Wafcon's fate has left qualified team coaches and players in limbo, with one coach even considering an alternative career path due to the potential lack of competitive games for up to one year. Meanwhile, voices within Caf have criticized the administrative arm for not prioritizing the women's tournament, highlighting the stark disparity in treatment compared to the men's competition.
One source in Caf told The Guardian, “Twelve national teams are waiting for a decision to be made, so they can make a preparation plan, arrange friendly matches and get sponsors or partners. This would never happen for the Afcon. We have only one national team competition for women and it is treated like this.”
In a turn of events, a post on 'X' by a Zambian TV broadcaster, Diamond Media and BolaBet Zambia have signed a partnership to broadcast live the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which is "to be held later this year."
PHOTO FOCUS:
Diamond Media and BolaBet Zambia have signed a partnership to broadcast live the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to be held later this year. pic.twitter.com/HPx1QgFNk0— Diamond Media 📺💻📱 (@diamondtvzambia) April 19, 2024
However, no date for Wafcon has been made public, meaning the certainty of the tournament still hangs in the balance.
