Latest news with #Women'sAfricaCupofNations2024
CAF
14-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
CAF Player-Centric Workshops: Empowering Women Footballers on the side of WAFCON 2024
Published: Monday, 14 July 2025 The Confederation of African Football (CAF), in collaboration with FIFPro, is conducting player-focused educational workshops as part of the legacy activities for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 (WAFCON). The initiative, which kicked off on 1st July 2025, with FIFPro representatives and CAF Women's Football Development officials meeting with each team in their respective venues. These 90-minute sessions are designed to provide players with essential knowledge about their rights, health, and safeguarding, empowering them to make informed decisions and lead professional football careers with confidence. 'This workshop aims to empower players with knowledge of their rights and give them an opportunity to be part of the conversation. WAFCON is not just a competition—it's a platform for players to showcase their talent, get scouted, and build their careers. We want them to know where they can access support if they need it and equip them to lead professional football lives with knowledge, confidence, and the ability to make informed decisions. This collaboration between CAF and FIFPro reflects our shared commitment to supporting players both on and off the field. We believe that informed players are empowered players, and this program is an important step toward building a stronger, safer, and more professional future for women's football in Africa.' The player-centric workshops will focus on: Raising Awareness of Players' Rights: Educating players on legal, contractual, and workplace rights, and introducing FIFPro and players' unions. Promoting Women's Health and Well-being: Providing guidance on ACL injury prevention, management, and understanding the impact of the menstrual cycle. Strengthening Safeguarding Measures: Equipping players to identify, prevent, and report harassment, abuse, or unsafe environments. Empowering Informed Decision-Making: Offering tools to support player career choices and overall well-being. Supporting Professionalization: Reinforcing that empowered players contribute to a safer, more professional women's football environment in Africa. Topics Covered CAF Safeguarding Regulations The Role and Work of FIFPro Women's Health: ACL Injury Risks and Menstrual Health Know Your Rights – What You're Entitled To as a Player Group Discussions and Player Reflections
CAF
02-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
D-3 to the Women's AFCON: 1998, the Super Falcons' Unbeaten Run
Published: Wednesday, 02 July 2025 The countdown continues to the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024. As we gear up for the 13th edition of the tournament, looks back each day at a defining moment in its history. With just three days to go, we revisit one of the rarest and most impressive feats: Nigeria's flawless 1998 triumph—without conceding a single goal. Only 3 days remain before the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 kicks off. Hosted in Nigeria, the fourth edition of the Women's AFCON remains one of the most one-sided in the tournament's history. The Super Falcons, led by iconic figures such as Florence Omagbemi, Nkiru Okosieme and Ann Chiejine, asserted their dominance from start to finish. Nigeria opened the tournament with a resounding 8-0 win over Morocco, followed by another commanding 6-0 victory against DR Congo, and a similar 6-0 scoreline against Egypt. Three matches, twenty goals scored, none conceded. The statement continued in the semi-finals with a 6-0 win over Cameroon, before Nigeria wrapped up their campaign with a composed 2-0 triumph over Ghana in the final. 'We were on a mission. Playing at home came with pressure, but also motivation. We wanted to show that no one could match us on the continent,' Florence Omagbemi later told the BBC. Nigeria secured their fourth consecutive title in as many editions. But it was the how that stood out: five matches, zero goals conceded. A rare defensive solidity, paired with an unstoppable attacking force, cemented that squad's place among the most dominant in the history of the Women's AFCON. The 1998 tournament also reinforced Nigeria's football identity: fast, powerful play, built around a tight-knit unit and individual talents capable of changing a match in a flash. It paved the way for future generations ready to carry on the legacy of the trailblazers. With three days to go until the 2024 edition kicks off in Morocco, this memory is a reminder of the demands of elite performance—and of a legacy built on consistency, discipline, and ambition. The Super Falcons remain the benchmark on the continent, but the competition is growing. The stage is nearly set.
CAF
25-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
D-10 to the Women's AFCON: Six Women on the Mic
The countdown has begun. In just ten days, the 13th edition of the CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 will kick off. A perfect opportunity for to look back at the key moments that have shaped the tournament's recent history. And if one moment truly symbolizes the evolution of women's football in Africa, it is undoubtedly the 2022 edition in Morocco, which, for the first time, featured four women providing full-match commentary for CAF. A groundbreaking first, the result of a bold initiative from the TV and Communications Department, which offered audiences unprecedented coverage: insightful, expert-driven, and distinctly feminine. CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024: Just 10 Days to Go Their names are Rachael Ayegba, Hafia Guedri, Christine Manie, Amanda Dlamini, Gaëlle Moudio, and Laetitia Dembo. Six voices, six perspectives, six remarkable journeys. For three weeks, they guided viewers with passion, precision, and professionalism. A presence both symbolic and strategic, applauded from the very start of the tournament by Kanizat Ibrahim, Chair of the CAF Women's Football Organizing Committee (2021–2025): 'For the first time, CAF will have renowned female commentators on-site for the matches — it's extraordinary.' Proven Paths, Recognized Expertise Rachael Ayegba, former goalkeeper for Nigeria's national team, has successfully transitioned into the media. Drawing from her top-level experience, she offered sharp insights into players' performances, particularly in defensive play. Her cheerful demeanor, educational approach, and consistently relevant contributions enhanced the credibility of the commentary team. Hafia Guedri, a former midfielder for Tunisia, made her mark during the 2008 Women's AFCON thanks to her game intelligence and anticipation skills. Since transitioning into tactical analysis, she has established herself as a calm and respected voice in women's football. Her deep understanding of midfield dynamics, coupled with her composed tone, brought real value to match coverage. Amanda Dlamini, former South Africa captain, is a true pioneer in her country's sports media landscape. Her voice, already familiar to South African audiences, brought valuable technical expertise and sharp match analysis. Christine Manie, former captain of the Indomitable Lionesses, is still remembered for her decisive goal against Côte d'Ivoire, which secured Cameroon's first qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2015. A seasoned defender, she brought calm and sharp tactical insight behind the mic. Gaëlle Moudio, a seasoned Cameroonian sports presenter, is one of the first women to break into sports commentary on the continent. Her natural charisma, on-air confidence, and infectious passion won over audiences far beyond her home country. Laetitia Dembo, a journalist from the Democratic Republic of Congo, stood out for her rare combination of professionalism, freshness, and energy. Her ability to captivate viewers made her one of the breakout stars of the tournament's media coverage. Football Is No Longer Played Only on the Pitch This initiative was more than just a symbolic gesture in promoting gender inclusion — it marked a real shift in how women are represented in African sports media. "It was an honor to commentate such a prestigious competition. But beyond the assignment, there was a responsibility — to show that we truly belong in this space," reflected Laetitia Dembo at the end of the tournament. The 2022 edition will be remembered as one of change. On the pitch, Morocco, Zambia, and South Africa reshaped the power dynamics. In the press box, female voices led the way. Ten days ahead of the 2024 Women's AFCON, this initiative remains a milestone in the broader effort to promote gender representation in African sports media. It reflects CAF's ongoing commitment to inclusive and equitable development of football across the continent.
CAF
03-06-2025
- General
- CAF
Women's AFCON 2024: Team Profile
Published: Tuesday, 03 June 2025 How the Team Qualified Botswana secured their place at the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 following a solid qualifying campaign. After progressing past the first round, the Mares faced Kenya in a high-stakes regional encounter in the second and final qualifying round. The first leg, played in Francistown, ended in a 1–1 draw. In the return leg, Basimanebotlhe Malete's side clinched a crucial 1–0 victory to book their spot at the finals. Tournament History Botswana made their TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations debut in 2022, reaching the quarterfinals where they narrowly lost 2–1 to hosts Morocco. That year also marked their first-ever win at the tournament through a 4–2 victory over Burundi. Players to Watch Refilwe Tholakele A powerful and intelligent forward, Tholakele has proven to be deadly in front of goal for the Mares. A product of Botswana's Double Action club, she took a major step in her career by joining South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns in 2023. Her impact was immediate: she finished as top scorer at the 2023 CAF Women's Champions League with five goals and was one of the standout revelations of the tournament. Quick, well positioned, and strong in one-on-one situations, Tholakele is also known for her relentless pressing and ability to hold up play. Sedilame Maitumelo Bosija A goalkeeper known for her reassuring presence, excellent reading of the game and impressive reflexes on her line. Sedilame Maitumelo Bosija has good footwork and knows how to distribute the ball efficiently and quickly, making her an asset in offensive transitions. Her ability to communicate effectively with her defence strengthens the solidity of her defensive unit. Despite a serious knee injury, she has shown great resilience and exemplary determination. A natural leader, she embodies professionalism and remains a role model for the new generation of Botswana's goalkeepers. Head Coach Basimanebotlhe Alex Malete has been at the helm of the Botswana women's team since 2023. He brings a modern tactical approach, with a strong emphasis on defensive organisation and detailed performance analysis. Holding a CAF B coaching licence and an advanced certification in tactical analysis, Malete integrates post-match review sessions into the team's routine, breaking down entire matches to identify key moments and improve collective decision-making. Aims and Group Analysis Botswana will be looking to better their 2022 quarter-final run. Their 2024 group is a challenging one, featuring Nigeria, Tunisia, and Algeria. However, they're banking on their defensive discipline and the sharpness of their front three to potentially cause an upset. As underdogs, the Mares may benefit from being under the radar provided they maintain a consistently high level of focus and intensity throughout the group stage.
