Latest news with #TotalEnergiesCAFWomen'sAfricaCupofNations
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
18 hours ago
- Sport
- CAF
Women's AFCON: Teams land in Morocco as tournament nears kick-off
Africa's top women's football nations have begun arriving in Morocco ahead of the highly anticipated TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with defending champions South Africa among the first to pitch camp. The tournament, which kicks off on 5 July and runs until 26 July 2025, will see twelve of the continent's finest sides competing across Moroccan cities in what promises to be a fiercely contested edition of the championship. Banyana Banyana, who clinched their maiden WAFCON title in Morocco in 2022, arrived in Casablanca on Wednesday after a demanding 24-hour journey from Johannesburg, including a layover in Ghana. Despite travel delays, the South Africans wasted no time, holding their first training session shortly after settling in. African champions Banyana Banyana departed for Morocco this afternoon ahead of their defense of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations title next month.#LiveTheImpossible @SABC_Sport — Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) June 24, 2025 'It was a long and tiring trip, but we have arrived and nicely settled in, and we managed to have our first training session,' said head coach Dr Desiree Ellis. 'It's very exciting to be here to finally get started. There is a big tournament coming up and we have to be ready for it.' South Africa are drawn in Group C alongside Ghana, Mali and Tanzania. They open their title defence against the Black Queens of Ghana on 7 July, followed by fixtures against Tanzania (11 July) and Mali (14 July), all to be staged at Honneur Stadium in Oujda. Meanwhile, Zambia's Copper Queens are also intensifying preparations in Mohammédia. The team, led by coach Nora Häuptle, has been holding high-intensity sessions at the Lanoria Club, with both local and foreign-based players in camp. The Zambians face hosts Morocco in the tournament's opening match at the newly built Olympic Stadium in Rabat on 5 July. Zambia's group stage campaign continues with encounters against Senegal and DR Congo on 9 and 12 July, respectively, both at El Bachir Stadium in Mohammédia. Hosts Morocco remain camped in Rabat and will play a friendly against Tanzania at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday as part of their final preparations. The Lionesses, coached by Jorge Vilda Rodriguez, are also in Group A with Zambia, Senegal, and DR Congo. Senegal, for their part, have now departed for Morocco to begin their tournament build-up. Group B will feature continental heavyweights Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana. With the teams now assembling across the host nation, anticipation continues to build for the premier women's football event on the continent. All eyes will be on Morocco from next week, as the best of African women's football takes centre stage.
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
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.
CAF
5 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Desiree Ellis names 26-Woman squad for TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON title defence
Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has named a 26-player squad for the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024, as South Africa prepares to defend its title in Morocco from 5 to 26 July. South Africa are the reigning continental champions, having secured their first-ever continental crown in 2022 by defeating hosts Morocco in a historic final. Now, Ellis is aiming for back-to-back success with a squad that blends domestic strength and international experience. The team's backbone comes from the local league, with Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies contributing eight players, including veterans Andile Dlamini, Lebohang Ramalepe, and Bambanani Mbane. JVW FC follows with five players, notably goalkeeper Kaylin Swart and forward Bonolo Mokoma. The University of the Western Cape (UWC), who made their CAF Women's Champions League debut this past season adds four names, while TS Galaxy Ladies has two representatives: Dineo Magagula and Refiloe Jane. Ellis has also leaned on overseas-based talent. Six players are currently playing abroad, led by Linda Motlhalo of Glasgow City—the only UK-based player. Also included are Hildah Magaia and Jermaine Seoposenwe, both in Mexico, and Bongeka Gamede from Denmark. The squad reflects Ellis's strategy of mixing experience with promising new talent. However, the team will be without star forward Thembi Kgatlana, who withdrew for personal reasons. Veteran attacker Jermaine Seoposenwe announced that this tournament will be her final appearance for the national team, adding an emotional element to the campaign. Banyana Banyana have been drawn in Group B alongside Ghana, Tanzania, and Mali. With a solid domestic foundation, bolstered by international pedigree, South Africa is well-positioned to challenge strongly for another title. TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Morocco 2024 South Africa Squad: GOALKEEPERS: Kaylin Swart, Andile Dlamini, Dineo Magagula, Casey Gordon DEFENDERS: Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Gabriela Salgado, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Lonathemba Mhlongo MIDFIELDERS: Bongeka Gamede, Sibulele Holweni, Linda Mothlalo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau, Regina Mogolola, Noxolo Cesane FORWARDS: Adrielle Mibe, Kgalebane Mohlakoana, Hilda Magaia, Jermaine Seopesenwe, Nthabiseng Majiya, Bonolo Mokoma, Ronnel Donnelly
