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CAF
9 hours ago
- Sport
- CAF
7 days to go before the Women's AFCON: VAR made its debut in 2022
Published: Saturday, 28 June 2025 The countdown to the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations has officially begun. To mark the occasion, takes a look back at some of the defining moments that have shaped this competition, now gearing up for its 13th edition. Today, we shine a light on the introduction of a major technological tool that marked a turning point in the tournament's history: Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Just 7 days to go until the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024. For the first time, during the Morocco 2022 edition, VAR was used on all 28 matches of the Women's AFCON, becoming the first women's competition in Africa to benefit from this tool on all pitches and in every match. Deployed as part of CAF's modernisation strategy, this innovation aimed to strengthen the fairness, transparency and quality of refereeing, while offering officials valuable assistance in crucial decisions of the game: penalties, red cards, disputed goals or errors of identity. "The introduction of VAR in African women's football is a strategic step forward. It reflects our desire to place the competition at the highest level of demand," said Souleiman Waberi, president of the CAF Referees Commission from 2021 to 2025, at the opening of the tournament. This system was accompanied by rigorous work beforehand: intensive training, referee upgrading, technical tests on the stadiums, etc. The deployment of VAR was part of a global approach led by CAF to further professionalize the environment of women's competitions on the continent.
CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
D-8 to the Women's AFCON: Onome Ebi, Record-Breaker and Symbol of Longevity
The countdown to the CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations has officially begun. To mark the occasion, invites you to relive some of the standout moments from the competition, now approaching its 13th edition. Today, we look back at the journey of a woman who has featured in seven editions of the tournament: Onome Ebi. Only 8 days to go until the CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations. In the history of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, few players can compete with the longevity and impact of Onome Ebi. An emblematic central defender of Nigeria, she remains the most capped player of the tournament, with seven appearances to her credit. Ebi has played in seven editions of the Women's AFCON: 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2022. Across generations, opponents and styles of play, she has established herself as a central figure in the Super Falcons, an essential defensive pillar and a model of consistency. Her continental record is simply remarkable: four titles won (2010, 2014, 2016, 2018) and a presence in all of Nigeria's major campaigns for more than fifteen years. Each time, Ebi held her ground, solid on her feet, lucid in her reading, sober in her attitude. A natural leader, respected and listened to. "Each African Cup has its own requirements. It's never a formality, even for a team like Nigeria," she said at the 2018 AFCON in Ghana, which ended with a victory over South Africa. If her statistics are impressive — more than 100 international caps, four AFCON wins, five World Cups played — it is above all his consistency at the very highest level that commands respect. On the pitch, as in the locker room, she embodied for more than a decade the high standards and pride of wearing the Super Falcons jersey. "As the oldest member of the group, I had a moral duty: to motivate the young people, to set an example. You don't stay in the national team with your past, you stay there with your rigor," she said in 2022, during her last appearance in the finals. Her last AFCON, in Morocco in 2022, did not lead to a title, but it will remain as the ultimate symbol of his loyalty to Nigeria and his attachment to this competition that has punctuated her career. Today, Onome Ebi occupies a special place in the archives of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, engraved over the editions, the titles and the example she has left.
CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
Kamel Saada (Tunisia): The Bridge Between Generations
Kamel Saada is leading Tunisia to the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 with a clear ambition: to transmit, structure, and build for the future. With a new generation of talent and a philosophy rooted in balancing youth and experience, the Tunisian coach aims to embed women's football into the long term Just days before the kick off in Morocco, Saada outlines his global project to combining detailed preparation, human values, and intergenerational transmission. At the heart of Tunisia's preparation for the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled in Morocco from 5 - 26 July 2025, one man is patiently orchestrating the balance, adjusting the lines, and establishing a vision: Kamel Saada. Appointed head coach in July 2024, he represents a deeper transition than a mere change on the bench. This coach, trained in youth development—with previous roles as head of the U17s, assistant with the U20s, and rich experience at the national training centre—is now the custodian of an ambitious generational project. In the world of women's football, which he calls 'an exceptional world,' Saada doesn't just coach: he transmits, elevates, and builds. Beyond the immediate goal of the competition, his eyes are fixed on the future. He speaks of three- to four-year cycles, methodological alignment from U15 to senior levels, and a coherent style of play across all levels—like a shared score that each generation will learn to interpret. This commitment to structural continuity is rare and valuable. But this vision cannot exist without the human element. Transmission is at the heart of his daily work. Passing on the knowledge of experienced players like Mariem Houij and Chaima Abbassi to the many young talents integrated into the squad. Sharing the experience of the 2022 quarterfinal run—through videos, stories, advice, and the emotions of narrowly missing out in the final minutes. In a tough group featuring Nigeria, Algeria, and Botswana, Kamel Saada knows Tunisia will need rigor and unity. But he also knows that success goes beyond results. In this interview with he shares a comprehensive project: a strong Tunisian women's football program rooted in training, nurtured by generations, and driven by values of hard work, listening, and trust. Why did you accept the role of head coach of the women's national team last July? Kamel Saada: Because I noticed how quickly women's football was progressing. For me, it was a new challenge. I studied the squad, understood the goals of our federation, and that motivated me. My ambition was clear: to shape a new generation, modernize our style of play, and lower the team's average age. We've gone from 28 to 22 years. This is a three- to four-year project with well-defined goals: combine local talent with expatriates, establish solid principles, and develop a competitive team for the long term. You've worked with youth categories before. What stood out to you when you started with the women's seniors? During my very first training session, I shared my vision and game principles. And one player seriously asked, 'Coach, are you speaking Chinese?' She didn't understand what I meant. (smiles) That made me reassess my method and simplify my approach. Gradually, the players understood what I was asking for, and I saw how quickly they could progress. After just a few days of camp, we played Tanzania and lost 5–0. But then, against Botswana, we saw clear improvement. I realized the girls have an impressive margin for growth—sometimes greater than the boys—if properly supported. Where do you currently stand in preparation for the TotalEnergies Women's AFCON? We've set up a two-month preparation plan. Right now, we're at a training camp in Ain Draham, at altitude. We're working well, with video sessions and tactics tailored to each opponent. We know our group is tough: Nigeria, Algeria, Botswana. Three strong teams we respect a lot. We're preparing match by match with attention to physical, tactical, and mental aspects. All players are present. The mindset is good. We hope to be ready to play a strong tournament. What are your impressions of Group B? It's a tough group. Everyone knows the quality of Nigeria. Algeria is improving fast. Botswana too. We're not underestimating anyone. We'll need to be disciplined, focused, and play our best football. The team that plays smart, cohesive football can pull off surprises. We're preparing for that seriously. What role do veterans like Chaima Abbassi and Mariem Houij play in this younger squad? Our philosophy is based on balancing experience and youth. We've kept 7 to 8 key players: Houij, Abbassi, Rouni. They are key references for the group. At the same time, we've integrated 13 new players from the U20s, U21s, even some from U17s, including expatriates. The chemistry is working well, even off the pitch. In the rooms, at meals, in conversations—there's real mentorship. The idea is that the veterans guide the new ones during this generational transition. Some veterans experienced the exciting 2022 campaign. What do they share today? A lot. We've watched highlights from that 2022 tournament together—the 1–0 quarterfinal loss, missed chances… They share their stories, offer motivation, and emphasize the details that make the difference: focus, commitment from the first match, the importance of the final minutes. These memories inspire the younger players and help them understand what top-level football means. There's strong cohesion in the group. We're a family—staff, players, everyone. And that solidarity is our strength. If you had to convince a coach to manage a women's team, what would you say? I'd tell him it's a whole different world. Exceptional. When you work well with the girls, you see results right away. They're disciplined, attentive, and ready to push their limits. I've coached men's teams, been a technical director, but what I'm experiencing now is unique. You need to understand their sensitivity and mindset. But once trust is built, they give everything. I encourage all coaches to take on this experience. What are your goals for this TotalEnergies CAF Women's AFCON? And beyond? In the short term, our goal is clear: to get past the first round. Then, go as far as possible. But at the same time, we're working on a long-term vision. With the Federation, we've launched a coherent training program, with the same game principles from U15s to the senior team. Some 2008-born players are already with me in the senior squad. The goal is to build a great Tunisian team in three or four years and compete with ambition in future AFCONs—and also in Arab and, why not, global competitions. Inch'Allah.
CAF
2 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
D-9 to the Women's AFCON: Ghizlane Chebbak, In Her Father's Name
Published: Thursday, 26 June 2025 The countdown to the CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations has officially begun. On this occasion, invites you to relive some of the most memorable moments of the competition, which is set to celebrate its 13th edition. Today, we highlight the emotional tribute paid by Ghizlane Chebbak to her father, Larbi, throughout the 2022 Women's AFCON. Only 9 days to go until the CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024. Judging by her oriented controls, her sense of positioning and her vision of the game, Ghizlane Chebbak leaves no doubt: she is the daughter of Larbi Chebbak, former Moroccan international and 1976 African champion with the Atlas Lions. Two years before the final in Rabat, Larbi passed away, leaving behind an immense legacy and a daughter determined to keep it alive, with the ball at his feet. Throughout the tournament, Ghizlane has not stopped paying tribute to him, publicly and silently. Captain of the Atlas Lionesses, she led her team to a historic first final, scoring three goals and multiplying high-level performances. "I think about him every game. He would have been so proud to see what we accomplished. I play for him, for his memory, and to honour the name I bear," she said after the semi-final win against Nigeria. Her tournament ended with a rare emotion: voted best player of the 2022 AFCON, Ghizlane received her trophy in tears, raised her eyes to the sky, then whispered a few words: "It's for you, dad." Beyond the filial symbol, Ghizlane Chebbak has become the face of a Morocco on the rise in women's football, and an ambassador of a legacy that she brilliantly extends. The message of a player who has become an icon: playing for your country is also about honouring those who have made history before us.
CAF
3 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Ibtissam Jraidi: "My dream is to win the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON with Morocco"
"We are preparing seriously to make our mark at the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON," says the Atlas Lionesses striker. "I always want the fans to be satisfied with me and my performances on the pitch," said the Moroccan. "My goal is first and foremost to help my country, Morocco, stay on track." Ibtissam Jraidi, striker with the Moroccan women's national team, spoke to about her personal ambitions and her ultimate dream: to lift the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations in front of her home crowd at the 2024 edition to be held in July 2025. Morocco's first goalscorer at a FIFA Women's World Cup, she has already achieved several personal goals. But her obsession remains the continental title. At 32 years old, the player of Al Ahli (Saudi Arabia) will have the opportunity to offer Morocco its very first continental title, three years after failing in the final against South Africa (2-1). In this in-depth interview, Jraidi talks about her progress, relationship with coach Jorge Vilda and vision for the upcoming tournament. How is your personal preparation for the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON going? Ibtissam Jraidi: Thank God, my preparation is going well. We work on a regular basis, my teammates and I. We are aware of the responsibility we have. The Women's AFCON will be difficult. Each team will play its chances to the fullest. We are preparing seriously to make our voice heard in this competition. You have become an emblematic figure of Moroccan women's football, especially after your goal in the World Cup. Is this a pressure or a source of motivation for you? It's a real source of motivation. It pushes me to redouble my efforts to help my national team achieve its goals. Every player dreams of scoring at the World Cup, winning a trophy or an individual title. But nothing is easy: it requires work, sacrifices. It is the result of a total commitment. You took part in the last edition of the AFCON. What lessons have you learned from this? Honestly, we weren't deflated by the defeat in the final. We played against a very good South African team. It was small details that made the difference. That's football. We didn't win, but we didn't give up either. We have redoubled our efforts to come back stronger in this new edition. Since then, you have progressed on an individual level: second top scorer in the Saudi league, first Moroccan scorer in the World Cup... How do you feel about this recognition? I always try to make the fans proud, whether they are those of my club in Saudi Arabia or those of Morocco. I want them to be satisfied with my performances. But it takes a lot of work. In my eyes, what we give in training is reflected on the pitch. You have to be 100% focused on each session to be able to give the best of yourself in matches. Morocco has inherited a tough group with Zambia, Senegal and DR Congo. What is your opinion of the draw? They are solid opponents. Each team qualified for the finals comes with the ambition to win. Everyone is aiming for the title, and it often comes down to a few things. As far as we are concerned, we work seriously. We know our mission, and we will give everything to go as far as possible. And why not win the cup? We want to make our people proud. What are your personal ambitions for this edition of the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON? My goal is above all to help my country stay on the right track. I want to give everything I can offer, 200%. To be useful to my teammates, to my team and to Morocco to win this title. That's what matters most to me. What is your role within the current group? If I am selected, my role is clear: to contribute to the team and to the country. Individual considerations come second. I just want the technical staff and the directors to be satisfied with my work and my commitment. Jorge Vilda, world champion with Spain, is now the coach of Morocco. How do you feel about this change and what does it bring to the group, especially in your position as a striker? Working with him has allowed me to gain confidence. He believes in my qualities and transmits great energy to us. It prepares us mentally, motivates us, and pushes us to surpass ourselves. He makes us want to go on the pitch with a smile, and fight until the end. For me, he's the best coach in the world. If you could talk to the 15-year-old Ibtissam, what would you say to her? I would tell her to never give up, to keep believing in her dreams, to work hard, to persevere. If you want something deeply, you can achieve it. You have to chart your own path, accept failures, get back up and keep moving forward. Thank God, I achieved almost all of my goals. I have only one dream left: to win the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON with my country. That's my ultimate dream today. And I hope that we will achieve this together, with ambition and solidarity. A last word for the Moroccan fans, who place a lot of hope in your team? Moroccans love football, and they love results. I ask them to continue to support us, until the last minute. The fans are our 12th player. They give us incredible strength. We will fight for them on the pitch, we will give much more than our maximum. We will play for them, and if we have to, we will fight to the end for their pride.
